MP CM drums up support for BJP in Shivpuri

Shivpuri, MP, May 24 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today claimed that the state's BJP regime took several steps keeping in mind farmers' interests and the impact was becoming visible.

''The government made loans available to peasants at a mere seven per cent interest. In future, we will endeavour to put in place an even lower rate. The banks doling out these loans will make 'no-dues' certificates available within a fortnight of repayment,'' he said while addressing a poll meeting at Garhi Baraud village in the run-up to the June 2 byelection in this assembly constituency.

If the certificate is not issued in that period, then the ryot will be deemed to be debt-free.

''BJP candidate Ganesh Gautam is no less than a Vibhishan who has exited the Lanka-like Congress to become part of the 'Ram Dal' (BJP),'' Mr Chouhan said.

In the 2003 vidhan sabha hustings, Mr Gautam contested Shivpuri on a Congress ticket but was defeated by the BJP's Yashodhara Raje Scindia who is part of a saffron party segment that is reportedly annoyed about his nomination.

''Ms Scindia is abroad and will come here after her return,'' the Chief Minister told mediapersons later in response to a query about why Ms Scindia was not on the campaign trail.

UNI