A speech by former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi at a campaign rally on Saturday has created a flutter in Chhattisgarh’s political circles.
Addressing a gathering at Gundardeshi, the senior Congress leader appealed to the people to cast their votes in favour of congress party. He hinted that it was the people who will decide not only the fate of the party candidate but the fate of Ajit Jogi too. “It is not only the legislator, Ajit Jogi too will be chosen by each vote of yours,” Jogi said while addressing the political rally. Jogi is not contesting the election. The Congress party has not yet projected anybody for the post of the Chief Minister.
The BJP Prime Minister in waiting and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi two days ago had said the Congress deliberately did not announce the name of Jogi because of fear.
Reacting to Modi, the Congress leaders had clarified that Congress did not have tradition of projecting anybody. If the party comes to power in the state, the matter would be decided by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, they had said. Now a day later, the speech of Jogi has created a flutter among the political circle. Many believe by making such a statement, Jogi projected himself for the top job.
Addressing the rally Jogi also showered praise on Congress president Sonia Gandhi and said with her blessing the Chhattisgarh will march towards development. Accusing the Raman Singh Government for failing in every front, Jogi said the Government has failed to keep its promises and people will vote for the Congress.
Expressing his confidence that his party will form the next Government, Jogi also said there was wave in favour of Congress in Bastar region which went to poll on Nov 11. The Congress lost in 2003 and 2008 election only because of the shortage of four to five legislators.