DEPUTY Chief Minister Vijay Sharma has been acquitted in a longstanding case under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on Thursday. Speaking to journalists, Sharma reflected on the hurdles faced by common people during the previous administration, particularly in accessing essential services like ration cards. Vijay Sharma stated that the poor, whose sustenance relied on ration shop provisions, found themselves unable to obtain necessary documents under the previous Bhupesh government. He alleged that political rivalries often impeded citizens’ access to basic amenities, with public representatives like former Congress Minister Mohammad Akbar resorting to tactics that deterred individuals from seeking assistance.

 

Sharma emphasised the importance of truth prevailing, citing the age-old adage ‘Satyamev Jayate’, meaning “truth alone triumphs.” He expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling, asserting that the case against him and Kailash Chandravanshi was founded on a false FIR lodged by a Food Inspector. He claimed that the accusations were politically motivated and lacked substance, leading to their eventual acquittal. Recalling past challenges, Sharma mentioned being implicated in cases following the flag controversy in Kawardha. Despite facing numerous allegations, he maintained his faith in the judicial process and expressed relief at being cleared of charges.

 

Kailash Chandravanshi, current District BJP Vice President and co-accused in the case, echoed Sharma’s sentiments, condemning what he described as the Congress’s strategy of instilling fear and filing baseless cases against political opponents. Chandravanshi stated the acquittal marks a victory for Sharma, reaffirming their commitment to serving the public without fear or prejudice.