Date:17/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/05/17/stories/2004051703710300.htm

Other States - Chattisgarh

Infighting intensifies in Chhattisgarh Congress

RAIPUR, MAY 16. Infighting in Chhattisgarh Congress intensified today, with its two senior leaders, including PCC executive president Charan Das Mahant, condemning Palari MLA Shiv Dehria for demanding resignation of state unit president Motilal Vohra.

Criticising Dehria for demanding Vohra's resignation for Congress' defeat in the Lok Sabha polls in state, executive president Charan Das Mahant and Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma said MLAs should maintain dignity of the party and put forth their views at party platforms instead of issuing public statements.

Observing that ``issuing public statements about the defeat of Congress is gross indiscipline'', they said, Congress had lost the December one assembly polls and the April 20 Lok Sabha polls because of infighting in the party.

All Congressmen should vow to strengthen the party and maintain discipline while remaining united, they added.

Dehria, a close confidant of former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, had in a statement yesterday said that inducting Vohra in the Union Cabinet, will be disrespect to Congress and the people of Chhattisgarh.

Incidentally, Mahant and Karma had lost the Lok Sabha polls from Janjgir and Bastar respectively.

PTI