The fight in Ambikapur constituency is a close one. In the 2008 election, Congress MlA Tribhuvaneshwar Sharan Singhdeo had defeated his nearest opponent Anurag Singhdeo of the BJP by a thin margin of 1,012 votes and this time again both the leaders are in fray. The Pioneer talked with the sitting MlA about the issue of Surguja region here are the excerpts:
“People have seen their (BJP) true colours and the Congress will come to power this time,” said Sharan Singhdeo who is the last royal descendent of once a princely State Surguja. Refuting the allegations about none-development in his constituency he says this is really unfortunate that these things are being propagated by those people who are claiming that they have developed Chhattisgarh. “On what basis are they saying soIJ”questions Singhdeo. “When Chhattisgarh was formed during the NDA regime and the Congress representatives had reached Delhi to demand economic package of Rs 2,000 crores they were denied. In past 10 years Congress party have provided funds of about Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh crore for Chhattisgarh after which the ruling BJP Government in State are in position to show some development work,” claims Singdeo.
Taking the BJP regime to the task over paddy bonus, Singdeo says just by giving 29 percent of share in the total bonus they claim of being Chaur wale baba. Similarly, in the development of roads anyone can compare the length of roads constructed under PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna) and that with the work done by the State PWD Department the picture would be clear.
When questioned that he is richest candidate and it could create a barrier for the economically weaker section to associate with him, Singhdeo said, I had received assets from ancestors. I have also received from my forefathers how to care about your people. “Being the descendent of royal family, we were taught that king has no religion and cast all people are same for him,” Singdeo remarks.