On poll eve, Congress accuses BJP of failure, corruption

RAIPUR: On the eve of first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh, opposition Congress has unleashed a charge-sheet against the Raman Singh government. The party has charged BJP with failing to check Naxalism and shielding those involved in fake encounters in tribal areas, doling out mines and mineral resources to industrial lobbies and forcibly acquiring land from farmers for industrialization.

"If voted to power, we promise to set up a commission to probe the complaints of corruption", state PCC chief Charandas Mahant told reporters, while releasing a charge-sheet.

Holding the BJP government responsible for 'security lapses' that led to the killing of frontline Congress leaders on May 25 in Bastar, Mahant alleged the government did not take any prompt action against the fake encounters that killed innocent people at Edesmetta and Sarkeguda in tribal Bastar region.

Pointing out that allocation of coal blocks and other mines has been a potential source of corruption , Congress said there have been instances when companies, floated by people close to senior BJP leaders, were allotted mines without adopting a transparent procedure. Besides, a company with a paid up capital of just Rs one lakh was allotted iron ore mines.

Mahant said the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in its report had brought to light the irregularities in allocation of mines to industrial houses and the resultant loss to the state exchequer because of such deals.

Pointing out that the health sector was virtually in a shambles in the state, the Congress said that more than a 100 people had lost eyesight after undergoing cataract surgeries at Balod, Kawardha, Rajnandgaon, Janjgir champa and Bagbehara. Health department has been marred in a number of controversies involving corruption. It also holds responsible the state government for the infamous uterus scam.