MP CM blames Centre for inflation

Chhindwara, MP, Mar 9 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today blamed the Centre's Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime's policies for inflation and warned that it would have to pay the price.

''The poor are unable to get two square meals daily. Inflation is affecting middle-class families also. The Congress speaks of 'Congress ka haath garibon ke saath' (the Congress hand is with the poor). It seems the hand has reached the poor man's throat,'' he told mediapersons at the local airstrip.

While addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Jan Ashirwad' Rally later, the Chief Minister announced that three districts would be merged to create Chhindwara division. Chhindwara is Union Industry Minister Kamalnath's parliamentary constituency.

''The foundation stone for the Pench Diversion Irrigation Scheme will be laid before the monsoon. The state's poor will be provided wheat at Rs 3 per kg from April 6,'' said Mr Chouhan.

UNI XC-AC 1821