MP CM dodges query on Pratibha

Gwalior, June 18 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today dodged a mischievous media query on the BJP opposing UPA presidential candidate Pratibha Patil.

Mr Chouhan, who -- along with former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani -- attended a local programme this evening marking the martydom anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai, merely smiled when asked why there was a protest against Ms Patil's candidature when this state's BJP regime was attempting empowerment of women.

As per the earlier schedule, Mr Advani was also to interact with the press.

''After the Centre's refusal to provide fertiliser, my government is importing two shiploads at a cost of Rs 65 crore,'' Mr Chouhan added.

UNI