Madhya Pradesh Congress president Suresh Pachouri went on the offensive against the BJP-led state government at a big party rally organised here on Friday to expose corruption and also raise voice against
communal violence, malnutrition, infant mortality, illiteracy, rising incidence of crime against women, dalits and tribals.
Addressing the rally, which was also addressed by a number of Congress MPs and MLAs, Mr Pachouri said the ruling party was discussing plans to build a “golden” Madhya Pradesh inside the Assembly while the state continues to reel under the harsh impact of joblessness, poverty and a highly sensitive communal environment. He went on to ask: “Who should be held responsible for the communal riots at Indore, Ujjain and Shajapur?” The chief minister has been touring the state to build a golden Madhya Pradesh but he did not find time to visit the communally sensitive areas, Mr Pachouri pointed out.
He said the UPA government was doing everything in its command to meet the hopes and aspirations of the minorities. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has even asked members of his Cabinet to work out strategies to follow the Sachar Committee recommendations for the benefit of the minorities.
Drawing attention towards Mr Chouhan’s allegation that the Congress was anti-development as the Congress MLAs had boycotted the special Assembly session convened at the initiative of the state government to draw a roadmap for development, Mr Pachouri said Mr Chouhan will have to explain what action has been taken on the advise given by the MLAs during many previous sessions.