"Madhya Pradesh Tops In Wheat Exports": Amit Shah Releases Report Card, Targets Congress For BIMARU Tag

Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the Madhya Pradesh government's 'report card' spanning from 2003 to 2023 on Sunday (20 August) in Bhopal.

Shah asserted that during these years, the BJP government successfully eliminated the 'BIMARU' (laggard) classification from the state, a tag he attributed to the legacy of the Congress regime.

According to him, the people of the state made a historic decision in 2003 by ousting the administration led by "Mr Bantadhar," which seemingly alluded to the Congress leader and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh.

The acronym 'BIMARU' has often been utilized to refer to Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, signifying their slower progress in terms of economic growth, healthcare, education, and other indicators.

Over the past two decades, the BJP government laid the groundwork for the state's progress and self-reliance, Shah said. He also called upon the opposition Congress to provide an account of its nearly five-decade rule in the state.

The report card unveiled in the presence of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MP BJP President VD Sharma, and State Home Minister Narottam Mishra has various sections demonstrating state's achievements.

Amit Shah highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is a leading contributor to the nation's wheat exports, holding a 45 percent share. The state's distribution of over 3.62 crore Ayushman cards, which are part of the government's health scheme, secures its foremost position in this realm.

Furthermore, the quality of rural roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Madhya Pradesh stands as the nation's best.

Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme, Madhya Pradesh has sanctioned cases worth ₹4,300 crore, earning it the top spot in the country.

The state ranks second in constructing rural houses under the PM Awas Yojna (PMAY), and its Indore city has maintained the highest cleanliness ranking for six consecutive years.

Emphasizing achievements from various welfare programs, Amit Shah noted that in the past five years, 1.36 crore people in the state have risen above the poverty line. The per capita income has surged from ₹12,000 in 2003 to ₹1.40 lakh at present.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Shah mentioned that during the reign of "Mr. Bantadhar," the state lagged behind in multiple sectors, notably power, water, and infrastructure.

"Once known as a backward state, Madhya Pradesh now stands at new pinnacles of development. Over the last two decades, the BJP administration has revolutionized power, water, roads, and education," declared Union Home Minister.

He shared data indicating advancements in sectors such as roads, industries, and healthcare, underscoring Madhya Pradesh's transformation into a developed state during the past 20 years.

Shah recounted that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the people of the state awarded 27 out of the total 29 seats to the BJP. In 2019, this number rose to 28 out of 29.

"I am confident that in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the state will grant the BJP the remaining seat," Shah expressed.

In 2019, the Congress secured just the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh, which was won by Nakul Nath, the son of senior party leader Kamal Nath.

Amit Shah stated, "The same Congress that kept the state underdeveloped during its nearly 53 years of rule is now claiming to transform it into a developed one."

"If the Congress is sincere, it should furnish a report card for its 50 years of governance in the state. We have introduced a new tradition of accountability in the country, wherever we hold power," added the senior BJP leader.

According to Amit Shah, during the 15-month Congress rule in the state (between December 2018 and March 2020), the Kamal Nath government either halted or paralyzed numerous welfare schemes meant for the poor.

He concluded by cautioning Congress leaders against misleading the public with irrelevant rhetoric and urged them to provide a progress report for their years in power.

The upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are scheduled for the end of this year and Amit Shah is known to be monitoring it from the Centre.