Bypoll victory is outcome of BJP's policies, says Raman

Raipur, Feb 7 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said BJP's victory in the Keshkal(ST) assembly by-election was the outcome of his government's policies and the people's support to the ongoing anti-naxalite movement in Bastar.

''Opposition Congress has been saying that this by-poll is a referendum on BJP government's policies. Now the people have reposed their faith and confidence in the BJP government,'' he told newspersons after the announcement of byelection result.

Dr Singh said his government's decision to supply rice at Rs 3 per kilo to more than 34 lakh families living below the poverty line and the scheme of supplying salt at 25 paise per kilo to poor tribals had instilled the confidence among the poor that BJP government was committed for their welfare and upliftment.

The Chief Minister also lauded the active participation of people of Bastar region in the ongoing anti-naxalite movement saying that the BJP's victory in Keshkal, a naxalite affected area, clearly indicated that the people at large were against the rebels.

BJP candidate Sevakram Netam won the assembly by-election in Keshkal defeating his nearest Congress rival Budhsen Markam by a margin of 21,886 votes. The by-poll was necessitated following the death of BJP legislator Mahesh Baghel in a road accident few months ago.

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