Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi on Congress prospects during the forthcoming Assembly elections
What are the main issues on which Congress is contesting this election?
Number one is Naxalism and the failure on the part of the government to contain it. When I was chief minister, the problem was confined to some parts of Bastar only. Now, almost two-thirds of Chhattisgarh is in the grip of Naxalism.
Secondly, loot of our natural resources. Mineral products, land, water and forests are being given to vested interests at throwaway prices by the BJP government.
Number three is corruption. It is there from top to bottom.
Number four, it’s a free for all. Civil servants have become corrupt and anti-common man. Right from the patwari to the top civil servant in the secretariat, they do what they like. They are not following the rules of administration and harass people. They are working in their self-interest and not in the interest of the people of Chhattisgarh.
There are complaints from senior Congress leaders like Manku Ram Sodhi and Shankar Sodhi about ticket distribution. What are the prospects of your party in the Assembly elections?
We are winning and we will form the government when the result is declared in December. The selection of candidates was made by the party's central election committee after a series of consultations and intensive scrutiny. Soniaji presided over these meetings.
But a section of party leaders is disappointed?
Once the tickets are decided, we will fight together under the leadership of Soniaji and Rahulji. The party is united under them. Bickering is a political process and in our party, once the candidates are finalised, all differences end. All leaders and workers will join hands to ensure victory of the candidates nominated by Sonaji and Rahulji.
You were the first chief minister of the state but the party has not nominated you as the CM candidate. Any problem?
Except for one or two occasions, the party has never announced its CM candidate before the elections in any state. The CM is selected after elections and in Chhattisgarh too, the same process will apply.