'Vikas Khojo Yatra': BJP's unique jibe at Chhattisgarh govt over development claims

In a politically charged and side-splitting manoeuvre, former Minister and BJP leader Rajesh Munat led the charge against the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh. How? By orchestrating the uproarious 'Vikas Khojo Yatra' in the bustling streets of Raipur on a sunny Tuesday.

With binoculars clutched tightly in hand, the BJP's merry band of "development detectives," under the leadership of Munat, embarked on an epic quest to unearth the elusive evidence of developmental works in the state capital. The unique move comes in the wake of persistent allegations by the Opposition that the Congress-led government has fallen short in delivering on its promises of development.

Addressing the gathered crowd, Rajesh Munat questioned the claims made by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel regarding the initiation of developmental projects worth approximately Rs 36,000 crore within three months of the Congress government coming to power. Munat remarked, "We wanted to ask the people of Chhattisgarh’s capital where the development is. Whose development? Can't see it anywhere? Neither any road has been built nor do they develop any school, college and garden. No bypass has been built in the last few years and the entire city has been dug up leaving people in distress."

Munat went on to criticise the state government, asserting that none of the works have been executed in a well-planned manner. He contended that the Congress party, its leaders, and MLAs have merely confined their development claims to paper. Highlighting the alleged corruption related to gauthans (cow shelters) and the reported deaths of cows in these facilities, Munat claimed that corruption worth several crores has occurred under the pretext of gauthans.

Notably, the BJP's critique of the Chhattisgarh government's performance was echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his rally in Jagdalpur, Bastar, on the same day. PM Modi referred to the Chhattisgarh government as a "ghotalebaaz sarkar" (a government embroiled in scams).

Congress has given ghotalebaaz sarkar: PM Modi

Expressing concern over the state of affairs in Chhattisgarh, PM Modi stated, "The entire country is watching the condition Congress has created in Chhattisgarh in just five years. Everyone is fed up with the deeds done by Congress MLAs and Ministers here. Corruption is rampant everywhere. Crime is at its peak in Chhattisgarh."

"Development in Chhattisgarh is visible either in posters and banners or in the coffers of Congress leaders. Congress has given only false propaganda and 'ghotalebaaz' government to Chhattisgarh," he said.