BSP may give tough contest to BJP, Cong in Janjgir-Champa

Janjgir-Champa (Chhattisgarh): Janjgir- Champa, known for its large silk production, may see a triangular fight with Mayawati`s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) trying hard to make inroads into the tribal state dominated by BJP and Congress.

The constituency, which is represented by BJP`s Narayan Chandel in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, has always been either with Congress or BJP with both parties fielding the same candidates in all the assembly polls. Janjgir-Champa, which has a number of power plants, is also famous for Kansa (brass metal) besides Kosa Silk. "Unequal" development in Janjgir and Champa areas, lack of infrastructure such as roads, education and skill development institutes and unemployment are among issues of concern among voters. BJP MLA Chandel, who is also Deputy Speaker in the Assembly and hails from Janjgir, has been accused of neglecting Champa, a charge he denies. "I have been working for the welfare of people. Raman Singh-led BJP government has done a lot for the people of the state. "I will continue to work for the betterment of people. People of Janjgir and Champa?will surely support BJP this time too," he said. Chandel defeated Congress` Motilal Dewangan by 1,190 votes, in 2008 assembly elections. In 2003, Dewangan had defeated Chandel. The seat was previously represented by Chandel, who won 1998 polls, when it was part of?undivided Madhya Pradesh. In 2008 polls, BSP candidate Ravindra Dwivedi got third highest votes in the constituency. BSP had managed to win two seats in 2008 election in Chhattisgarh Akaltara and Pamgarh while BJP secured 50 seats, followed by main opposition Congress with 38 legislators.