Under BJP rule, Chhattisgarh now role model for development: Amit Shah
Ambikapur, June 11: From an utterly backward region as part of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh has now developed into a prosperous state under the BJP rule, BJP President Amit Shah said here on Monday.
He said that the state's Bastar region was also coming out of the throes of Maoism, thanks to sustained efforts by the state government and stressed that riding on development, the BJP would achieve its "Mission 65" (of winning 65 out of 90 legislative assembly seats) in the upcoming elections.
Appreciating the efforts of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, Shah said: "Chhattisgarh used to be a part of Madhya Pradesh. It was then called a 'Bimaru' state because of lack of development during the Congress rule.
"Today Chhattisgarh is among the developed states in the country thanks to the achievements of Raman Singh government in the fields of agriculture, road connectivity, subsidised food grains and free medical treatment for the poor among other things."
The state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November 2000 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
Shah said that with governments at both the Centre and the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was like a "double-engine vehicle" of development.
"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi India is constantly moving ahead and the world is looking up to India. Similarly, under Chief Minister Raman Singh, Chhattisgarh is making progress and the rest of the states in the country are looking at Chhattisgarh as a role model for development," he said.
Shah also mentioned several development initiatives and schemes undertaken by the Centre's Modi government during the last four years.
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Death toll climbs to 16 in van-SUV collision in MP's Dhar
Dhar (MP) (PTI): The death toll in the collision between a pick-up van and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has risen to 16, officials said on Thursday.
The van carrying labourers overturned and collided with a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) coming from the opposite direction near Chikliya crossing on the Indore-Ahmedabad National Highway on Wednesday night, they said.
Twelve fatalities were initially reported after the incident. Four more persons later succumbed to their injuries, taking the toll to 16, officials said.
"A very tragic incident occurred in Dhar. I was informed that 46 persons (mostly labourers) were travelling in a pickup vehicle. It overturned and caused an accident. We have received information about the deaths of 15 people. This is very unfortunate," Indore Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudam P Khade told reporters.
Later, one more person succumbed to his injuries, Dhar district hospital's civil surgeon Dr Mukund Burman said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have issued instructions to ensure all arrangements are made, and treatment is provided to the injured persons, and that no one is left without care, Khade said.
The divisional commissioner and Inspector General Anurag were monitoring relief operations at the incident spot.
"Seven injured persons have been referred for treatment to Indore. Fifteen people are undergoing treatment here. The patients here are currently stable, but if they need to be referred (elsewhere), everything will be done," Khade said.
"In Indore also, we have deployed a team of doctors and are making all arrangements so that there is no delay or problem in treatment," he added.
The incident occurred between 8.30 and 9 pm on Wednesday. The labourers were returning home in the van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing.
The Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
PM Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the incident. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased, and the injured would receive Rs 50,000.
CM Yadav said instructions have been given to provide Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.
Dhar district in-charge minister Kailash Vijaywargiya said instructions have been given to the local administration to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment.
Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, a native of Dhar district, also expressed grief over the accident.
