Raman Singh's instinct for populism helped him

Amitabh Tiwari / TNN / Dec 11, 2008, 01:58 IST

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The extent of his success can be gauged from the fact that BJP got 11 out of 12 seats in Maoist-hit Bastar.

Raman Singh's instinct for populism helped him

RAIPUR: Even before Chhattisgarh chief minister earned the moniker of "chawal wale baba'' in the state's tribal-dominated areas because of his populist rice scheme, Raman Singh (56) was known as "Sanichara doctor'' in his home district Kawardha, because as a qualified ayurvedic he gave free service to his patients on Saturdays.
Little wonder, BJP's second-term CM (Singh was elected as legislature party leader on Wednesday and will be sworn-in on Friday) has had an instinct for populism without sacrificing his scruples.The extent of his success can be gauged from the fact that BJP got 11 out of 12 seats in Maoist-hit Bastar.
As Singh sets out his priorities, he is sure that money won't be a problem for the new schemes whether it's the new metro line between Raipur and Durg or laying the country's longest power transmission line connecting it with country's power grids. "We plan to set up a new metro railway line between Raipur to Durg via Bhilai to ease pressure on daily commuters. As we get down to generating 600 mw additional power, we have also taken up laying country's longest transmission line providing connectivity to all the power grids,'' says Singh.
As for his party, he says, "Unlike the Congress, BJP always enters the battle with a credible captain.'' Singh, who campaigned extensively through out the state, thinks people even in remote areas were satisfied with the government's development activities.

Q: What was the effect of rice at Rs 3 per kg to BPL families?
A: Why just this scheme, all the other schemes launched by the BJP government were aimed at benefiting the tribals and poor sections. No doubt the rice scheme and strengthening of PDS across the state created a wave in BJP's favour.
Q: Thousands of people have died in Maoist violence, but why isn't it discussed as seriously as terrorism?
A: Maoism is a national problem. I am meeting the new Union Home Minister soon and will apprise him of the ground realities. Our security personnel who have laid down their lives in Bastar and Surguja are no less than the NSG commandos.

Q: What are the challenges in the second term?
A: People have shown faith in BJP. My first priority will be to maintain it. The party manifesto will be implemented strictly. Responsibility from the lower level up to the CM will be fixed. I'll try to give a transparent and honest government. Corruption remained an issue but I'll ensure that no such complaints arise this time.
Q: How will you raise funds?
A: Money is never a problem. Many investors are coming to Chhattisgarh on partnership basis for many schemes such as the New Raipur Development Scheme, which is busy developing the new state capital.

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