BJP support waning in Chhattisgarh, says Jogi

Raipur, Apr 3 (UNI) Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi today said the ruling BJP's defeat in the Lok Sabha by-election in Rajnandgaon constituency was the cumulative effect of the government's betrayal of tribals besides its policies that did not benefit any section of society.

''Democracy is a daily plebiscite. People have realised that Dr Raman Singh government did nothing for them during its more than three-year rule,'' he said at a press conference here.

Mr Jogi, who led the Congress campaign in Rajnandgaon, said Congress candidate Devavrat Singh had got comfortable lead from tribal areas, clearly indicating that tribals had voted against the BJP, as they felt betrayed because the BJP government did not fulfill the promises made to them.

''Before coming to power, the BJP promised to provide cows free of cost to each and every tribal family. Similarly, many other such promises were made,'' he said, pointing out that even after more than three years these promises remained unfulfilled.

Referring to Dr Singh's claim that 'operation Dhuryodhan' factor was the reason for the BJP's defeat in Rajnandgaon, the former Chief Minister said till a day before the polls on March 29, all BJP leaders were saying that the cash-for-question scandal that led to expulsion of BJP MP Pradeep Gandhi from the Lok Sabha was not an election issue.

''Now, the BJP is blaming 'operation Dhuryodhan' for its defeat. Even expelled BJP MP Pradeep Gandhi has come out in open against blaming him for the BJP defeat,'' he pointed out.

Replying to a question, Mr Jogi said Dr Singh, Congress veteran and AICC treasurer Motilal Vora and Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee President Charandas Mahant had contributed towards the Congress' victory in Rajnandgaon.

To another question, the senior Congress leader said he was not demanding Dr Singh's resignation.

''We want that he should remain, as it will help further strengthen the Congress,'' he added.

UNI