Situation was critical in 2003: MP CM

Bhopal, Nov 16 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tonight said that when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed the state's reins in 2003 the situation was ''critical'' vis-a-vis electricity and other sectors.

''During the past five years the BJP government conducted a considerable volume of development work in these sectors,'' the BJP's star campaigner claimed here while responding to queries of Congress leaders and other people during a privately-run news channel's programme 'Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri'.

Admitting power-cuts in rural areas, Mr Chouhan however claimed that the situation was better compared to other states and also held the Centre's United Progressive Alliance regime responsible for the crisis as electricity and coal allotment were slashed over the past few months.

''The Centre is also responsible for the price rise. It is untrue that crime and atrocities against women spiralled in Madhya Pradesh,'' the Chief Minister claimed.

Taking on the opposition parties for pointing fingers at himself and his ministerial colleagues, he said that the main opposition Congress was ''terrified'' of him.

Mentioning the dumper purchase controversy, the Chief Minister said, ''a probe is underway and its conclusion will make everything clear.'' The opposition had vociferously raised the issue of alleged corruption in purchase of four dumpers by Mr Chouhan's kin. The vehicles were subsequently used at a cement factory in Rewa.

Congress leaders present during the programe mentioned Lokayukta cases against some ministers.

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