Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh talks to Ejaz Kaiser about how the state, once the worst affected by Maoist violence and labelled “bimaru” (sick), is now called a “land of opportunities”. Excerpts:
Is the target 65 of 90 Assembly seats set by BJP chief Amit Shah daunting?
Challenging but not daunting. Our party entrusts and reposes faith in our local leadership and cadres. Once the aspirations and expectations of masses are met, the target is not difficult to achieve. The government’s annual month-long Lok Suraj Abhiyan give us insights, which results in policy intervention. Inclusive approach with ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ guides the strategy on good governance practice.
Is anti-incumbency BJP’s biggest concern?
Anti-incumbency will naturally come to one’s mind when a party remains in power for three consecutive terms. With our development agenda focused on the social sector and infrastructure, winning people’s confidence is our biggest achievement. BJP will again form the government in 2018.
Venkaiah Naidu emerged as NDA’s Vice-Presidential choice.
It shows a brilliant combination of north and south India. Shri Ramnath Kovindji from the north is our next President. Venkaiah ji’s choice is the result of
his handling parliamentary affairs and other responsibilities with exceptional calibre.
Even after 13 years as CM, the Maoist challenge persists.
We inherited the Maoist problem, which is over three-decade old. The north Sarguja region adjoining Jharkhand is now free of Naxal violence. In Bastar, the situation has improved with rebels now confined to a limited area. The three-pronged strategy on aggressive operations, development with greater connectivity and winning the confidence of tribals are making a lot of difference. Strength and morale of Maoists has crumbled.
After the Sukma attack, have you revised the anti-Maoist strategy?
Revising the anti-Maoist strategy is a matter of national importance. The Centre and state government jointly pursue every plan to ensure peace and prosperity in affected regions. It’s the people’s interest that is supreme in Maoist-affected districts.
What do Bastar tribals want?
The needs of tribals, unlike the urban masses, are not much. They want their basic necessities fulfilled, besides peace, connectivity, scope for regional growth and better prospects for their future generations.
Has investment picked up in Chhattisgarh?
We are partners in India’s growth story through Make in India, which has enthused new energy in manufacturing-led industrialisation. Our focus is on the non-core sector. The state has secured massive investment in sectors like coal, iron and steel, aluminium, cement, etc. Investment has gained momentum. With abundance of natural resources, power, low cost of doing business and availability of hard working skilled workforce, the state has emerged as an ideal investment destination.
How important is Ajit Jogi? Will it be a direct fight between BJP and Congress in the 2018 polls?
People can compare Jogi’s regime with our governance. Regional parties are gradually losing their appeal, as seen in the recent Assembly election results. With lack of united opposition, people will always choose the party that delivers.
How will GST affect revenue generation of Chhattisgarh?
Chhattisgarh will emerge as the ideal destination for national logistic hub owing to its central location geographically. With one nation, one tax, one market, GST will expand tax base, prevent evasion, boost economic growth, attract investors and enhance business activities. Trade on commodities, including agrarian, will pick up and farmers will benefit.