Rahul's comment on C'garh reflects his narrow-mindedness:CM

Raipur, May 21 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today described Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's statement about Chhattisgarh as his narrow-mindedness.

Dr Singh made the statement while replying to questions by reporters here about Mr Gandhi's comment.

Admitting that the region lagged behind in terms of development necessitating the creation of a new state, Dr Singh blamed the Congress, which ruled the state for 50 years, for its backwardness.

''Mr Gandhi has no idea about culture of this state. This state is not divided in terms of caste or religion,'' he said, adding that some people kept conspiring to divide the state on these lines but they would never meet success.

He claimed that no sign of casteism or regionalism existed from Bastar to Sarguja. Followers of Sant Kabeer and Guru Ghasidas are not of narrow mentality.

Mr Gandhi had stated three days back in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh that there was lack of political awareness in Chhattisgarh and casteism and regionalism was behind its backwardness.

Taking dig at Mr Gandhi, Dr Singh said if Mr Gandhi makes the definition of local and outsider clear, then his stand and that of his party would be known. He added that no such distinction has existed in the state.

Regarding talent hunt programme of the Congress, he said interviews were needed for government and other jobs but for the first time interviews were being heard for working in politics.

UNI AS-PS 2001