BJP in Chhattisgarh has failed to bring down poverty level: Congress

“Particularly labourers, adivasi and farmers have suffered a lot during this period,” he added. Baghel put up 13 questions on different issues including promises made to farmers by BJP ahead of the last assembly polls. He alleged rising cases of crime against women and scams and challenged the chief minister for a debate on it.

The official figure reveals that about 39.9 per cent people live below poverty line which is highest in the county. “If such a bigger chunk of population is under BPL than for whom the development has been done. Why poverty has not been eradicated in the past 13 years,” Baghel questioned.

Accusing the state government of ditching farmers in the state, he said, “Chhattisgarh was known as paddy bowl but according to statistics of last few years four farmers have committed suicide daily, on an average, in the state.”

BJP cheated farmers by not providing them bonus of Rs 300 and minimum support price of Rs 2,100 for each quintal of paddy as promised during the last assembly polls. He further alleged that chief minister’s name had cropped up in several scams during last 13 years be it Priydarshni bank scam, civil supply scam or irregularities in the purchase of an Augusta Westland helicopter in the state.

Moreover, Baghel attacked the ruling BJP over other issues including alleged murder of tribals in the guise of Maoist encounters and atrocities on people of scheduled caste community and women. Congress has decided to stage protest in all district headquarters tomorrow to inform people about the 13-years of misrule of BJP, he added.