Shukla goes step further, links Sonia, indiscipline

Shukla, whose vehicle was attacked by Jogi’s supporters in Bilaspur district two days back, said: ‘‘It’s strange how Sonia has not even once questioned the Chief Minister for corruption and working against the Congress’s principles. She is not ready to listen to a word against Jogi.’’

While asserting his allegiance to the party, Shukla said he feels suffocated now. ‘‘I am still in the Congress. Yet it’s quite suffocating now when the party president is so biased,’’ he told mediapersons at his residence. Shukla refused to confirm or deny reports about his plans to float a new party. ‘‘It’s premature, even too early to confirm,’’ he said.

He said ever since Jogi became the CM, he has been promoting caste politics against party principles. He also came-out strongly against Jogi’s new capital project — the foundation stone for which was laid by Sonia yesterday.

‘‘Look how Jogi has chosen to waste Rs 21,000 crore on a new capital project. Can’t this money be utilised for welfare of poor people in providing them food, shelter and basic amenities like health, water and education?’’ he said.

Shukla claimed Jogi had misled Sonia about the project to get her approval for laying the foundation stone. ‘‘I am sure she was never told the factual position,’’ he said.

The Congress leader levelled serious charges of corruption against the state government. ‘‘Even farmers had not been spared of corruption in the paddy purchase,’’ Shukla alleged.