After 15 yrs, new role for Raman Singh

Raipur, December 11

The Congress forming the next government in Chhattisgarh became a mere formality Tuesday as Chief Minister Raman Singh of BJP resigned, after his party’s disappointing performance in the state Assembly polls.

The BJP's longest-serving CM, who held the office for 15 years, said the party was ready to sit in Opposition and play a constructive role.

“I have submitted my resignation to Chhattisgarh Governor,” Raman Singh told reporters. He said he accepts responsibility for BJP’s poll performance in Chhattisgarh, adding “we (party) will sit and introspect”.

He refused to pass the buck on the BJP’s national leadership over the setback after 15 years of the party’s rule in the state.

“The election was solely contested on state agenda and it is not related to Delhi. We will sit with the party workers and analyse the defeat in detail.”

“This will not reflect on the Lok Sabha election scheduled in 2019. The issues for Lok Sabha are different and election will be contested on those issues,” he said.

“It is time to work in a new role for Chhattisgarh. We will work with full vigour,” Singh said. — PTI

Befitting reply to ‘corrupt’ BJP: Cong

Chhattisgarh Congress unit chief Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday said people have given a befitting reply to the ruling party, which indulged in corruption during its 15 year of rule.

“BJP has only cheated the people of the state during its three-term rule. It was neck-deep in corruption and 'commissionkhori'. People have given them a befitting reply," he added.

Baghel is seen as one of the contenders for the CM’s post along with T S Singhdeo, said it was for the high command to decide who would be chief minister.