Orchha (MP): Madhya Pradesh BJP on Sunday said
that it is not in favour of a separate Bundelkhand state
saying that it is not an economically viable move.
The party has also demanded a package of Rs 25,000
crore from the Centre for the holistic development of
Bundelkhand region in the state, which is described as
"country`s one of the most backward regions".
"Creation of a separate Bundelkhand state is not
economically viable, as the present contribution of the region
to the state exchequer is just nine per cent, while its
expenses are 36 per cent," Sagar MP and BJP state unit vice
president Bhupendra Singh told reporters here on the last day
of party`s two-day long state executive meet her.
He was briefing reporters about the resolution passed
at the meeting on the issue of development of Bundelkhand.
Blaming Congress for the region`s backwardness
Bhupendra said, even those, who contested the Uttar Pradesh
assembly polls on the issue of statehood to Bundelkhand,
including film actor Raja Bundela, had lost their deposits.
The area is rich in mineral resources like diamond,
rock phosphate, iron, dolomite and granite, among others and
therefore, if the Centre is really serious about developing
the region, then it should set up beneficiation plants to
improve the quality of minerals found in the region to
generate employment, the BJP MP said.
The resolution also criticised Congress general
secretary Rahul Gandhi for "making fun of the poverty of the
people of Bundelkhand region, by visiting their houses and
making tall promises."
BJP also alleged that Congress is not giving approval
to various educational institutes.
The party has also demanded to de-nationalise the
National Highway- 86 as the Union Surface Transport Ministry
is not heeding to the state`s request of developing it, which
has forced people to travel on the road, full of potholes.
Highlighting BJP`s development measures in Bundelkhand
during its 8-year-long rule, Bhupendra said a number of
projects, including a 1,200 MW power plant and exploration of
diamond mines by Rio-Tinto with an investment of Rs 2,300
crore, among others, were being carried out.
PTI
