Ajit Jogi claims 'azaadi' from Congress, search for name and symbol of new party on

KOTMI, CHHATTISGARH: With hundreds braving the rain and raising their hands in open declaration of support for him, former Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi took one step further into a new political future by adopting the 'Kotmi Declaration' that resolved to float a new regional party in the state.

Congress legislators at the meeting included Jogi's wife Renu, Siyaram Kaushik (MLA from Bilha in Bilaspur district) and Rajendra Kumar Rai (MLA from Gunderdehi in Durg district). There were 10 former MLAs and a sprinkling of ex-ministers at an impressive gathering in the Marwahi (ST) assembly segment, represented by Jogi's son Amit.

"Ab main azaad hoon (I am free now)," Jogi said in the course of his hour-long speech. He spoke about development issues and the "misrule" of the Raman Singh government, but surprisingly kept quiet about Congress. After his speech, Jogi asked the people to fill up and submit a form suggesting a name and symbol for the party to be floated.

Some of the names proposed were Chhattisgarh Vikas Congress, Chhattisgarh Lok Party, Chhattisgarh Jan Congress, Chhattisgarh Swaraj Party, and Chhattisgarh Rashtriya Samiti. A decision is yet to be taken.

"I will go by the majority's suggestion. We will decide the party's name and symbol on the basis of your suggestion," he said, adding, "Jogi Raj, Sab Ka Raj". However, the former CM did not spell out a timeframe for the party to come into existence.

Former minister Dharamjeet Singh read out the 'Kotmi Declaration' which "resolved" to float a new party that will "usher in a new political chapter in Chhattisgarh". The declaration said the main aim of the new formation is to form a government in 2018 and send "adequate" number of MPs to Lok Sabha.

Singh said Jogi will lead a campaign for a "Raman-mukt" government in Chhattisgarh. On November 1, Jogi's supporters from across the state will adopt a no-confidence motion against the government at district, block and village levels and forward the same to the President.

Amit Jogi lashed out at Congress as well as BJP (without naming either), saying he was thankful to all those who have defamed his family during the last 16 years. "I am thankful because your campaign against us has in fact strengthened us," he said. "For the last one week, one party is worried about its government and another is worried about its existence," he added.