Bhopal, Nov 02: Development appears to have emerged as the main issue between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Madhya Pradesh for the next assembly elections in the state slated for December 01. The two parties which are the main contenders for power in the state are involved in a bitter war of words with each side charging the other with neglecting the development of Madhya Pradesh.

The BJP's star campaigner and chief ministerial nominee, Uma Bharti, has been particularly severe against Chief Minister Digvijay Singh and says repeatedly that no development worth its name has taken place in the state during his rule since November 1993. The Chief Minister rejects this allegation outright and cites several facts and figures to prove his contention that Madhya Pradesh had made rapid strides in a number of fields ever since he assumed office after the November 1993 assembly elections.

Both the parties take resort to various statistics to prove their points but which party is believed by the voters will be known only when the results of the assembly elections are declared.

It is but natural that the claims by the two parties are taken with a pinch of salt since political parties are prone to exaggerate the work done by their governments while at the same time downplaying work done by their opponents. Bureau Report