Ajit Jogi names new political outfit

Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi on Tuesday formally named his new party as 'Chhattisgarh Janata Congress (Jogi)' even as he slammed the ruling BJP government for "lacking in vision" to take the state forward.

The announcement was made by the seasoned politician at Thathapur village in Kawardha district, the home turf of Chief Minister Raman Singh. "After addressing a public meeting there, he formally launched his new regional party in the state," said Jogi's son Amit Jogi, a sitting MLA from Marwahi constituency in Bilaspur district. Jogi, who has been in sulk since his son Amit Jogi was expelled by Congress in January after his name figured in alleged fixing of an Assembly bypoll in BJP's favour, resigned from the party last week, days after accusing it of working as the "B team" of ruling BJP.

Congress had dubbed Jogi's exit as a "good riddance". "After the declaration to float the new party at Kotmi village in Marwahi on June 6 there was a sense of excitement among the people of the state to know the name of this outfit which will be 'Chhattisgarh Janata Congress (Jogi)," Amit said. The announcement of the new party's name was made in a unique style.

"The party's name was first whispered into ear of a girl who was present at the public meeting and she then wrote the title on a blackboard," he said. Addressing the gathering, Jogi senior targeted the Raman Singh government, saying the people want change and "it is my responsibility to cherish life of the people of Chhattisgarh". "The ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh does not have any vision for the state. It is largely dependent on Delhi for taking decisions in the interest of the state. The common man is still lagging behind in this mineral and iron ore-rich state," he said.

Ajit Jogi, the first CM of Chhattisgarh after it was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, said his outfit will transform this system and work for the growth and welfare of each and every section of society.
Meanwhile, Congress also held a division-level public meeting in Marwahi, the home turf of Jogis.