As the assembly polls are round the corner in Chhattisgarh, political parties are readying themselves with strategy to woo voters. Former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh discussed a volley of issues, ranging from Parivarvad to failed promises of the Congress government, led by current Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel during India News conclave.
Q: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always talked about eliminating ‘Pariwarwad’, especially after Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of the country. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel too has raised doubt on your credibility regarding ‘Parivarwad. What is your opinion about this?
A: First of all, I want to say that BJP has tried its level best to disroot ‘Pariwarwad’ from party and politics in the best interest of the country but at the same time, I want to convey the message that CM Bhupesh Baghel does not know the difference between parivar and ristedar (Family and kin). To be fair, the whole of the state of Chhattisgarh is my family and if someone has worked and has ability, s/he deserves a ticket, irrespective of his party affiliation/family.
Q: Then, why has Congress so much trust on Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel?
A: As a matter of face, Congress does not have faith in Baghel but had to continue with him as there was no obvious choice for the grand old party of the country.
Q: Given the five year rule of the Bhupesh Baghel government in the state, what are the chances of the BJP when it goes for poll in a few months?
A: Congress has bleak chances in the forthcoming assembly polls in the state because in the last five years, farmers did not get their bonus. People will demand the poll promises as 19 out of 25 poll pledges were not fulfilled.