Only Cong MLAs get grants in Jogi raj: BJP

It is boom time for Congress MLAs in Chhattisgarh. First, Chief Minister Ajit Jogi abolished the MLAs’ Local Area Development Fund, ter...

It is boom time for Congress MLAs in Chhattisgarh. First, Chief Minister Ajit Jogi abolished the MLAs’ Local Area Development Fund, terming it ‘‘highly irrational’’, and when the dust settled over his decision, he quietly pumped Rs 10 crores into the areas represented by the Congress legislators.

The Opposition BJP MLAs, who had been creating a din within and outside the state Assembly over the abolition of the fund, did not get a penny for their areas. Jogi’s largesse also spilled on all 12 BJP defectors, four of them Cabinet ministers, adding salt to BJP’s wounds.

The BSP MLA, Shabi Lal Ratre, who has joined the Congress, also received Rs 22 lakh, while Duo Ram Ratnakar, who has stuck by the BSP, did not get any funds.

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The facts have come to light only a week since Jogi charged the A.B. Vajpayee government of discriminating against Chhattisgarh in providing drought relief.

The BJP MLAs, who had stalled House proceedings over the abolition of the MLA funds, have accused Jogi of double standards. ‘‘Is this a democracy or dictatorship? Whose money is this, Jogi’s?’’ asks BJP deputy leader Mahesh Tiwari.

Jogi is unfazed by the charges. ‘‘One or two BJP MLAs have got the funds. If they submit proposals, there is no reason for denial of funds to their areas,’’ he says.

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