Corruption charges baseless: Raman Singh

Raipur, June 8 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today described charges of corruption against state ministers as false propaganda and said development would be the main poll plank of the BJP in the coming state assembly elections.

Talking to UNI during his 'Vikas Yatra', Dr Singh said opposition Congress was disappointed and was looking for issues with six months left for assembly elections. Corruption charges were levelled when it could not find anything else.

He termed allegations regarding purchase of a palatial flat by a minister in Mumbai, depositing Rs one crore as fixed deposit by another in a private bank and his purchasing about 18 trucks as well as charges on other ministers purchasing big plots of land as "ridiculous." On discussions among Congress circles and a meeting of the state party Congress in this regard, Dr Singh said the opposition should understand that such closed-door meetings could not be helpful for the public.

He refused to admit that the Congress posed a challenge to the BJP Government in the state and described former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi's claim for victory from 70 assembly seats as illusory.

Pointing out that it had not been able to form state party executive since many years, the Chief Minister said it would be a big achievement if this was done in the next six months.

He claimed that about 1.5 lakh employment opportunities have been created during the four-and-half year rule of the BJP. A lot of infrastructural work had been undertaken and more job opportunities would be created.

Dr Singh denied the existence of anti-incumbency factor and claimed that the satisfaction level was quite high among people during the 'Vikas Yatra'.

''The government has paid most attention to tribal areas and constituted Sarguja and Bastar development authorities for speedy development of these areas. Huge amount has been spent on schools, colleges and other basic facilities,'' he said.

On naxalite problem and 'Salwa Judum' campaign affecting poll prospects of the BJP, he said poll prospects would not be affected in even Bastar leave alone other areas.

On several poll promises not being fulfilled, he said tribals were being provided oxen instead cows on their demand. So far, 85,000 oxen have been distributed. Besides, dearness allowance was being provided to unemployed people.

UNI AS-PS SYU UCS1852