I spent the last few days in Madhya Pradesh campaigning for the BJP. The response was extremely encouraging.
In 2003 I was in-charge of the Party’s campaign in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress had been in power for 10 years. The state was in bad shape on all developmental parameters. The roads of Madhya Pradesh were the worst in the country. Electricity supply was for a minimal period. There was huge shortage of water both for domestic consumption and also for agriculture. There was barely any investment being attracted to the State. The Party wanted to get back to the basics. Our election slogan was ‘Bijli, Sadak, Pani’ which was described by the media as the BSP campaign. There was a huge anti-incumbancy against the Congress. The BJP scored a record victory getting three-fourth majority in the State.
The credit for good governance today goes to Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan. He is a picture of humility, discipline, and compassion. He has maintained utmost social harmony in the State. Today Madhya Pradesh can boast of an exceptionally good road network. Most areas of the State are connected with excellent roads. Sub-urbanizations is taking place in a big way. The inter-city connectivity has hugely improved. Electricity in the State is now available 24 hours a day. Electricity for agricultural purposes is also available for several hours. The irrigation schemes are expanding in a big way. Local irrigation programmes, connectivity of river waters to dry districts is improving. Madhya Pradesh today has become the largest producer of foodgrains in the country.
The State’s Budget has increased five times. The enrichment of the State is evident from the fact that GDP of the State is growing by double digit. The social sector schemes for poverty alleviation are exceptional. Distribution of the resources of the State to the weaker sections is helping to reduce the poverty levels.
It is this performance of the State Government and the image of the Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan which is going to steer the BJP to a decisive victory in the forthcoming assembly elections.