UPA's financial misrule dented country's prestige: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

BHOPAL: Hitting out at the Congress-led UPA government, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said its "misrule" and inability to rein in the slide of rupee against dollar have dented India's "prestige".

"During the NDA rule under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, rupee was trading at Rs 45 for a dollar, whereas under the Congress- led UPA it has fallen to Rs 61; which has brought down the country's prestige and honour," he said.

Chouhan was addressing roadshows held in Malwa region from Ujjain to Dhar districts as part of the 50-day 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra', which was launched yesterday ahead of the forthcoming state elections due this year-end.

Taking a dig at Congress, Chouhan said the government at Centre was being ruled by the nexus of "Raja, Maharaja and Zamindars (aristocrats and landlords)".

"Congress first pushed Madhya Pradesh to backwardness under its rule, and is doing the same in rest of the country...The country is reeling under a heavy debt and its self-respect, honour and prestige are lowered," he said.

Chouhan listed a number of welfare schemes, especially the 'Laadli-Laxmi Yojna' and the sale of wheat, rice and salt at highly subsidised rate, which are being implemented by his government.

He criticised the opposition Congress for taking out the "Parivartan Yatra" in the state and accused it of spreading lies and mudslinging.

The roadshows were held at Salana, Mahidpur, Nagda, Khachrod and Gahtia Assembly segments where Chouhan addressed gatherings from atop his specially-designed vehicle.

BJP national vice president Prabhat Jha, the state unit party president Narendra Singh Tomar, former union minister Satynarayan Jatia and state industries minister Kailash Vijaywargiya were among other leaders who accompanied Chouhan.