Chouhan flays Rahul for remarks on BJP govt in Karnataka

Bangalore: Countering Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s attack on BJP government in Karnataka on corruption, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today alleged that the UPA government which was mired in scams was conspiring to bring disrepute to the state’s people. “The Congress-led central government has created world record in Commonwealth Games, 2G and Coalgate scams. Can’t Rahul see all these scams. Levelling allegations against Karnataka is nothing but a conspiracy to bring disrepute to Karnataka and its people. The people will not accept it,” he told reporters here. Chouhan, who was campaigning for the May 5 assembly polls in Karnataka, said the UPA government was “weak” and “shameless”. “The central government has not taken any strong step against Chinese incursions. Such a weak and cowardly government I have not seen before. This government is least bothered about national security,” he said. He also demanded that External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid cancel his China visit and lodge a strong protest against Chinese incursions. Criticising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chouhan said it does not augur well for a constitutional authority like the PM to level a baseless allegation that minorities in Karnataka are feeling insecure when there has been no communal riots reported in last five years. In fact there has been communal riots reported in UPA and Congress-ruled states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan. “Doesn’t the PM know about these violent incidents, and he comes here and levels baseless allegations,” he said. Reacting to PM’s remarks that development in Karnataka has taken a backseat, Chouhan said, “In fact, you are sitting in the back bench of the UPA government. The front-benchers are Madam Sonia Gandhi and Prince Rahul Gandhi.” Asked why he agreed to campaign for a government which is facing corruption charges, Chouhan said, “BJP thinks about principles, not individuals. When we felt a person is not following our principles, he was kept out. I am in fact proud to campaign for such a party which does not compromise with their principles.” PTI