CM Mohan Yadav Criticizes Jairam Ramesh Over Comments on Ken-Betwa Project

Bhopal, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, asserted on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the needs of the people in Bundelkhand through the Ken-Betwa river link project, yet the Congress party stands against this forward-looking initiative.

CM Yadav emphasized that the commencement of the Ken-Betwa project symbolizes 'jan seva and vikas' (public service and development), receiving widespread support from the residents of Madhya Pradesh.

He stated, 'However, the Congress seems unable to accept this, and Jairam Ramesh's comments regarding the Ken-Betwa river linking project reflect their discomfort. They mock Bundelkhand's poverty but refuse to endorse a progressive move.'

The Chief Minister's remarks were in response to the statements made by Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh concerning the Ken-Betwa river linking project. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Wednesday.

Jairam Ramesh, who served as the Environment Minister in the UPA government, remarked that the laying of the foundation stone threatens the biodiversity-rich Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

'The PM is showcasing yet another example of the contrast between his rhetoric and actions regarding environmental and forest issues. The Ken-Betwa river linking project poses a serious risk to the biodiversity-rich Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.' Ramesh noted.

Ramesh highlighted that Panna had experienced a complete loss of its tiger population by early 2009. 'Thanks to the tiger reintroduction program initiated 15 years ago, which is India's first, Panna currently has over 90 tigers, including cubs and sub-adults, thriving alongside sustainable tourism-based livelihoods.' he added.

In response, CM Mohan Yadav remarked on Thursday that Ramesh's comments reflect not his own views but those of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding Bundelkhand.

'Has any Congress leader ever acknowledged this significant achievement of our state? The Congress must clarify whether they support the development of Bundelkhand.' CM Yadav stated during a media interaction.

He further commented that if Congress does not lend their support, it implies that they and Rahul Gandhi are trivializing Bundelkhand's poverty while opposing progress in the area.

Just the previous day, CM Yadav accused Rahul Gandhi of visiting Bundelkhand merely as a tourist and ridiculing the residents there.