Chhattisgarh too dry to party, Sonia spoils Jogi’s bash

Confirmed state government spokesman Shailesh Pathak: ‘‘Celebrations now will be a simple and low-key affair. No extravaganza this time. All events have been compressed to a single-day function to effect austerity.’’

How about foundation-stone laying ceremony? ‘‘It will depend on Sonia Gandhi’s availability and a fresh date may be after 15-20 days.’’

Sonia was scheduled to reach the state capital on October 25 and launch the Rs 4,573 crore capital project near the village of Paota and return the same evening after participating in a series of programmes and addressing a rally at the site of new capital.

Jogi’s extravagant celebrations had 50 major events spread over eight-days. This included a media blitz exclusively focusing on the achievements of the Jogi government in the last two years, cultural shows and exhibitions.

While Jogi was touring Malaysia and China early this month, officials back home were busy finalising the programme.

After several rounds of meetings and trips to Paota they had even readied the site for laying the foundation stone. A giant 30-tonne stone from the Bastar black granite mine had already been brought to Raipur.

Initially officials had selected a stone of 40 tonnes for the ceremony but because of a crack in the middle, it had to be replaced. Jogi wanted to utilise the opportunity to demonstrate his political strength to lead the state to the Assembly polls next year.

An enthusiastic Jogi has first tried to get President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to lay the foundation stone on November 1 — the day Chhattisgarh completes two years of existence. After Kalam turned it down, he invited Sonia.

Last year, the foundation-day celebrations had been a 15-day affair and Sonia Gandhi had been the star attraction. This cost the state as much as Rs 5 crore, though the Opposition pegs the expenses much higher at Rs 10 crore.

This time around also, the expenses will not be less than Rs 1.50 crore, the Opposition charges.