BJP govt in Chhattisgarh a puppet in industrialists' hands: Congress

The Opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday alleged that the BJP-led government has joined hands with the industry "to forcibly acquire lands owned by the tribal people."

"The BJP government has become a puppet in the hands of industrialists," Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla alleged.

He further alleged that KSK Mahanadi Power Company has set its eyes on the pieces of land owned by tribals in the region.

"This company, which is being protected by the state government, is hatching a plan to purchase the lands owned by tribal people, at throwaway prices. The lands of those farmers, who are opposing the move, are being coercively acquired," he said.

Shukla further said that the company is setting up a 3,600 MW power plant in Nariyara village. "The company forcibly acquired two acres of land belonging to one Bhogsaay Goud, a local farmer. The farmer had opposed to sell his land. However, the company, with the help of top BJP politicians, put pressure on him and got the land."

The affected farmer has not been given any kind of compensation as yet, he claimed.