Declaration of names of 17 candidates by Congress on Friday brought politicians in action, the first being Alka Mudliyar, who has been picked by the party to take on Chief Minister Raman Singh from Rajnandgaon constituency once held by her husband Uday Mudliya who was killed in May 25 Jeeram Valley massacre by Maoist insurgents.
Just after declaration of her name, Mrs Mudliyar reached Ambedkar Hospital to meet the four-year old girl from Rajnandgaon who is undergoing treatment at the biggest health facility of the state after being raped by her relatives a few days back. After meeting the girl and her relatives, Mrs Mudliyar not only criticised the brutal act but also demanded strictest punishment for the culprit.
This was perhaps the first public appearance of Mudliyar, who is considered as strong candidate from Rajnandgaon Assembly constituency specially in the aftermath of martyrdom of her husband who was well known public figure and a vocal critic of the state government on the home turf of Raman Singh. He had also represented the constituency in the Assembly during undivided Madhya Pradesh.
Alka Mudliyar has expressed confidence that she has ability to defeat Chief Minister in Rajnandgaon where voting is scheduled in the first phase on November 11.