Shukla expresses displeasure with Jogi ministry

Shukla expresses displeasure with Jogi ministry
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

RAIIPUR NOV 14: Former Union minister Vidya Charan Shukla has openly expressed his displeasure over the functioning and formation of the new chhattisgarh ministry headed by Ajit Jogi .

Despite the fact that Chief Minister Jogi spent an hour over luncheon yesterday afternoon with Shukla when they discussed various issues, Shukla while talking to mediapersons formally here, today, underlined various issues which have brought him displeasure.

``I gave him (Jogi) a written letter urging that the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Ground Water should not be shifted just for acquiring its building to house the state Assembly.'' The institute, one of its kind in Asia, was brought here by me and there are efforts to shift the project from Raipur. This will not be tolerated, added Shukla.

He pointed out that the region of Chhattisgarh is facing severe famine and the problem cannot be tackled by resolutions or meetings alone. Proper efforts need to be taken. Similarly, the supply of electricity is not being handled properly, Shukla said adding that despite being a surplus state, the region still suffers from load-shedding.

Listing such problems, Shukla expressed his displeasure over the formation of the ministry. Asked about the ommision of Dharmendra Sahoo, one of the 13 members, from Digvijay's ministry, he pointed out that Sahoo was perhaps dropped out for being honest and simple. Shukla said: ``I am making it very clear that I was never consulted by Ajit Jogi over the formation of the state ministry nor the distribution of portfolios though he spent time over lunch with me yesterday.''

Repeatedly asked about his future programmes and the possibility of the emergence of a regional party, he asked mediapersons to mirror people's hopes, expectations and grievances honestly. ``I will talk to you people time to time,'' he said.