Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai: ‘Naxals referred to Congress govt as our govt … People have lost faith in them’

Christian Adivasis have faced violence in Bastar. What steps is the government taking?

We are not against any religion but are against the trade they are doing while exploiting people’s illiteracy or through the temptation of benefits … They are forcibly converting people and I am against that. We are a secular country and a person is free to follow any religion that he or she wants … They must serve (the people) but not indulge in trade.

But due to the attacks, tribals are turning against each other and are socially boycotting one another.

Let them stop these (forced) conversions and the fight will end. Let them serve the people but it is not right to tell them that we will cure you if you embrace Christianity.

Anti-Naxal operations have been on the rise since the BJP came to power. While 24 Maoists were killed (in encounters) last year, 31 have been killed in the first three months. Questions are being raised about the encounters.

In the previous Congress government, anti-Naxal operations were very weak. We heard Naxals referred to the previous government as “our government”. Our double-engine government strengthened the fight against them. Our Home Minister (Vijay Sharma) is also concerned about it. On the other hand, we have also taken a stand to ensure justice for those Naxals who want to surrender. We can have a dialogue if they (Maoists) give up arms and join the mainstream.

Are there plans to privatise the Nagarnar steel plant?

This issue pertains to the Central government and I do not want to comment on it.

How do you see the Congress campaign shaping up?

People have lost faith in the Congress. In the run-up to the 2018 Assembly elections, they made 36 promises but could not fully implement even one in five years. They looted Chhattisgarh, be it coal, liquor, sand or land. Their leaders have been in jail for over a year even as courts are refusing them bail. No one wants to even contest as a Congress candidate. They forgot about public service for five years so the people have taught them a lesson.

Your reaction to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was “jaisi karni, waisi bharni (as you sow, you shall reap)”. The Opposition has alleged that central agencies are being misused.

Central agencies are not the last resort. If they think the agencies are being misused, biased or falsely implicating them, there is a platform to appeal. They must approach it.

Has the BJP already hit its peak in Chhattisgarh and if it has, where does it go from there?

We are a democracy. The people, on whom we have full faith, will decide. Our campaigns are getting good responses. Also, Modi ji has worked for everyone’s development over the last decade. Promises like the Ram Temple and abrogation of Article 370, which were made during the Jana Sangh era, were fulfilled.

Within three months of coming to power (in the state), we gave money to farmers and women. The alleged corruption case in the Public Service Commission has been handed over to the CBI. During campaigning, we promised an annual sum of Rs 12,000 for married women. Even as the Congress promised Rs 15,000, no one believed them. Now, they are promising Rs 1 lakh but people will not believe them even if they promise Rs 5 lakh.

The Opposition alleged a political witch hunt after Bhupesh Baghel was booked in the Mahadev app case.

This is not true. The investigation into the case began while they (Congress) were in power. An accused in the case claims he has given “protection money” to him (Baghel). It is not related to the BJP or elections.