Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel has raised questions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visits to Bastar. He asked what concrete benefit people of the region had received despite the two leaders coming to Bastar repeatedly. Recalling the promise of giving Rs 1 crore to Naxal-free panchayats, Baghel asked how many panchayats had received the amount so far.
Speaking to the media in Janjgiri village of Durg district, Baghel said the central government should account for its promise. He claimed that Naxalism had weakened in Chhattisgarh during the Congress government. He also questioned why the announced development funds had not been given to panchayats when Bastar was being described as Naxal-free.
Support for Rahul Gandhi’s debate challenge
Baghel also reacted to Prime Minister Modi’s recent Bastar visit and his remark related to “mental Naxals”. He reiterated the demand that the Prime Minister accept Rahul Gandhi’s challenge for an open debate. Baghel said that instead of making allegations against the opposition, the Prime Minister should come forward for a debate on a public platform.
Baghel’s statements have again intensified political exchanges between the BJP and the Congress over Naxalism, Bastar’s development and the central government’s announced promises.
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