BJP MP from Mandla Faggan Singh Kulaste, desperate to redeem his position in the party after his exoneration in the MPLAD sting operation, today showed his might through a large tribal rally at the Lal Parade ground. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, among others, attended the rally.
Though Kulaste succeeded in mobilising tribals from across the State and from neighbouring Gujarat, he failed to extract any promise from the Chief Minister due to the model code of conduct being in place. Nevertheless, the Chief Minister’s body language and choice of phrases must have been quite reassuring to Kulaste.
The gathering was held under the auspices of the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP), Madhya Pradesh unit.
“If any law is hindering development of tribals in the State it would be changed. I will do everything to ensure that there are no atrocities on tribals. I don’t believe in treading the beaten path,” Chouhan assured.
A rhetorical Chief Minister added that he would not allow people inflicting atrocities on tribals to live peacefully in the State. “Either they (perpetrators of atrocities) or I will remain in the State,” he roared.
Recalling the history of tribals’ participation in the freedom struggle, he said the State Government would ensure protection of tribals’ dignity and self-esteem.
{{/usCountry}}Recalling the history of tribals’ participation in the freedom struggle, he said the State Government would ensure protection of tribals’ dignity and self-esteem.
{{/usCountry}}Referring to Kulaste’s demands, the Chief Minister said his hands were tied because of the code of conduct but he hoped that Parishad leaders would read the language of his eyes. Chouhan said he would sit with them after polling on April 24 and