Says it’s like friendship in Delhi and wrestling in states
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Monday, accused the Congress of being mired in a “quagmire” and claimed that the INDIA alliance has become entangled in it. He called for a “clarification” from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a leader of the Congress party.
Chouhan’s remarks were made in the context of a dispute between Congress leader Kamal Nath and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over a failed electoral alliance in Madhya Pradesh. Yadav had previously alleged that Congress had obstructed the caste census and the implementation of the Mandal Commission report in the past.
Chouhan questioned Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stating, “I want to ask Priyanka ji that SP and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which are part of the INDIA alliance, are at odds with each other in the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls. It’s like friendship in Delhi and wrestling in the states.” He further added, “The alliance partners are openly criticizing Congress and labeling it as an unreliable party.”
Chouhan characterized Congress as a “quagmire” and claimed that the INDIA alliance was trapped in it. He cited Yadav’s description of Congress as a “cunning” and “cheating” party and expressed doubts about the credibility of the Congress party.
Chouhan also urged MP Congress President Kamal Nath to clarify his age, alluding to Yadav’s comments about an 80-year-old recognizing someone. He said, “Nath must clarify his real age.”
Responding to Gandhi Vadra’s criticism of the BJP government’s efforts for farmers, Chouhan defended his government’s initiatives, such as the “Samman nidhi” for farmers, irrigation facilities, and interest-free loans. He questioned the Congress’s track record on farmer welfare during its time in power.
Chouhan accused Gandhi Vadra of making a “false statement” about the number of jobs created in Madhya Pradesh and said that she had opened a “shop of lies.” He asserted that he had issued 50,000 job appointment letters during his tenure.
Akhilesh Yadav had mentioned both Congress and the BJP discussing caste census and reservations to attract marginalized sections. While both the SP and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance, they are contesting the Madhya Pradesh elections separately.
The dispute between Yadav and Nath over the lack of an alliance in Madhya Pradesh led to tensions, with Yadav suggesting potential repercussions in Uttar Pradesh. However, he also expressed respect for Nath, considering his age. Nath is set to turn 77 on November 18.
