Aheri (Maharashtra): Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today (Dec 14, 2003) assured to provide good governance by the newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Governments in three States - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan - where the party gained power in the recent Assembly elections.

Speaking at a public meeting after unveiling a statue of Gond King Raje Vishweshwar Rao in Aheri, Maharashtra, in the naxal-infested area, Advani said Congress had ruled the country for more than 45 years but failed to provide good governance.

"We attained swaraj (freedom) but could not get suraj (good governance)," he lamented.

"The BJP-led Government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Centre was providing good governance. Non-development of many part and areas in the country during Congress rule was because of ill-governance," he added.

The Deputy Prime Minister said BJP had won 26 out of 34 tribal constituencies in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Stating that the tribal area was under-developed, Advani assured the people that he would take on the issues of regional development like laying rail link from this interior part with the main line.

Advani also invited BJP leaders from the region to Delhi to discuss their problems. He said he would discuss the rail-linking project with Union Rail Minister Nitish Kumar.

On the issue of giving employment to youth, Advani said he would also take up relaxation of Forest Conservation Act 1972 to allow industries to set up in the area and there by paving way for employment opportunity.

On the naxal menace, he said naxalism has grown for the lack of development of the area.

Advocating a firm tackling of the scourge, the Deputy Prime Minister said naxals have exploited the undeveloped areas. The Union Government was tackling naxalism seriously and had sought help from Nepal where Maoist movement has gained strength.

Nitin Gadkari, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly and Raje Satyavan, son of late Vishewashwar Rao, were also present on the occasion.

PTI