Chhattisgarh politics heats up over PM Modi birthday events as Congress raises questions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday went hot in Chhattisgarh with stiff political opposition to the State government’s involvement in events held to commemorate the occasion.

Earlier, the Congress held a press conference at the Gandhi Maidan in the party office in Raipur raising questions about the role of the government machinery in the celebrations. Congress leaders also spoke about the problems of inflation, unemployment, increased electricity tariff, employment, etc.

Former PCC president Dhanendra Sahu claimed the PM’s birthday is being celebrated at the government level and programmes are being organised at the gram panchayat and janpad panchayat level. He wondered if the government was launching such events or diverting of government resources.

Actually the state government has announced month long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ from 17 September to 17 October during which period activities related to ‘service’ ‘welfare’ and ‘public participation’ are planned in Chhattisgarh. According to the official announcement, it is running officially with programmes such as a service ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ and other service programmes.

Also, Sahu spoke about the congestion cost of electricity and smart meters, saying higher electricity bills could further strain the finances of the weaker sections of society. The Congress will celebrate September 17 as ‘Mehangai-Berozgari Diwas’ and would bring these issues in front of the people, he said.

Congress communications chief Sushil Anand Shukla also challenged the BJP’s ‘Seva Sankalp’ drive, and raised issues related to unemployment rates, inflation and the government’s economic policies. His comments were a part of the Opposition party’s overall hue and cry against the BJP-led government.

In the meantime, the BJP and the Chhattisgarh government have presented the month-long campaign as one that has been geared towards public service, welfare and cleanliness and participation.

PM Modi’s birthday programmes have been again the centre of political debates between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh due to their contrasting stand.