Raipur: Congress president Sonia Gandhi made her assembly poll campaign debut in Chhattisgarh Tuesday, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running a "government of scams" and urging voters to demand an explanation from ministers about the utilisation of funds provided by the central government. Addressing an election rally at Kharasia in Raigarh district, Gandhi said: "Ask the BJP where the Rs.80 billion provided by the central government has gone.
"Your each and every vote is important. Now you have to choose between the BJP that believes in politics of hatred and the Congress, which is known for development and prosperity." "Your votes will decide the fate of a state having abundant natural resources. The five-year BJP rule has shattered your dreams. "Comparing to other states, this mineral rich-state has become very backward during BJP s five-year-rule. The central government s rural employment guarantee scheme was a failure here due to the BJP," she said.
Touching upon the rise in Maoist violence in the state during her 10-minute speech, Gandhi said: "Chhattisgarh was known to be an island of peace but now innocent people are being butchered here." Chhattisgarh will hold elections to 51 constituencies Nov 20,while polls for 39 seats were held in the first phase Nov 14.
