‘There is no place for violent, anarchic ideology in country’

Asserting that there is no place for violent and anarchic ideology in the country, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that collectively we will fight against social evils in order to sustain communal harmony in the society. Answering to the discussions on the discussions held during the 2-day Special Session called by Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly to mark the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Minister said that the Cultural Nationalism promoted by Mahatma Gandhi has been effective in unifying the country.

Earlier, the House passed the resolution forwarded by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel with voice vote, wherein, it was stated that the State Government while following the principles laid down by Mahatma Gandhi will work for the benefit for weaker sections of the society, ST/SC communities, women, farmers, workers and businessmen. The Chief Minister in his address added that nowadays a type of Nationalism is prevailing in the country which speaks of crushing its opposition.

He said that this kind of nationalism is very much harmful for the country and we’ll fight a decisive battle against such ideology. He said that Mahatma Gandhi along with freedom struggle, had fought against untouchability and for women empowerment. He was put in jail several times by the British but he never gave up. The Chief Minister said that Mahatma Gandhi had kindness for all living beings human and animals alike and he never showed unpleasantness against people who opposed him. Gandhiji favoured ‘Swadeshi’. The Chief Minister announced on the occasion that in the year 2020, 100 years will be completed of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Chhattisgarh. Hence the year would be celebrated as Centenary Year of Gandhiji’s visit to Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that Gandhiji had always respected those who had opposed him and used to give a patient hearing to them. He always used to hold discussions with people following different ideologies. During Independence struggle, many leaders including Subhas Chandra Bose were not supportive to Gandhiji’s ideology but he used to hold talks with all of them. It was Subhas Chandra Bose who had given Gandhiji the title of Father of the Nation.

Bharatiya Janata Party National Vice-President and former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh while speaking at the Special Session called by Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly to mark the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, said that he had expected a positive discussions in the Session, but unfortunately we lost the opportunity. Taking a dig at the Congress led State Government Dr Raman Singh said that this is where the attitude differs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched ‘Gandhi Sandesh Yatra’, wherein, it has been targeted to reach 3 lakh villages. He said that during the Special Session he was expecting positive discussions on the life and workings of Mahatma Gandhi and we can take the benefit of this opportunity. It was being expected that during such positive discussions, schemes and plans might erupt which could have benefited one and all for years to come but we lost the opportunity.

While commenting on the mega-launch of some schemes by the State Government on October 2, the former Chief Minister stated that reportedly five new schemes are being launched for which big ad campaigns are carried out. But unfortunately, these are not new schemes on the contrary the State Government has tried to push ‘Old Wine in New Bottle’.

He said, “I still carry the notifications issued some six years ago, wherein, Fulwari Yojana was launched by his government, meant of children less than five years old. This scheme was launched six years back and was awarded by the Prime Minister. Regarding CM Haatbazar Yojna, the scheme was launched years ago and is running smoothly till date.” If the want to pay true tributes to Mahatma Gandhi then an effective scheme should be launched for the upliftment of 42,000 weavers in the State who’re gradually becoming unemployed due to mechanisation. If provided relief to these weavers, this will be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He further added that during elections, the Congress had promised total liquor prohibition in its manifesto. If a resolution is passed in the House on liquor prohibition, this will be a true acknowledgment to the compliance of Gandhian principles.

This is the golden chance when we’re celebrating his 150th birth anniversary, towards fulfilling his dreams. Dr Raman Singh said that Mahatma Gandhi is the only person who can be considered as a political saint who had used truth, non-violence, foot-march, etc in politics. He had worked together towards freedom struggle and fighting against social evils like untouchability. Today after so many years, no one can touch the stature earned by Mahatma Gandhi. Eminent world leaders like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, etc had taken inspiration from his workings. Earlier, taking part in the discussions, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik slammed previous Congress governments for imposing emergency in 1975 and for 1984 anti-Sikh riots and said those got power in the name of Gandhiji, they themselves sidelined his principles and ideals. “We are nationalist and believe in Indian constitution and Gandhi. But those who follow other ideology and got power in the name of Gandhiji, destroyed Gandhian principles during their 60 year rule,” Kaushik said without naming Congress.