State Congress President Mohan Markam accused the Prime Minister of deceiving the public by re-dedicating the foundation stone of an old project. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Raipur Kodebord section on Raipur Dhamtari Road. However, this road project, which had its first tender in 2016, remains incomplete, with only half of it finished according to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Markam criticized the Prime Minister for inaugurating a partial section, stating that it goes against his dignity.

 

The inauguration of the Pattharapali four-lane project in Bilaspur was completed almost a year ago, with toll collections and vehicle movement already in progress. Markam argued that the Prime Minister’s involvement in inaugurating this project was unnecessary and contrary to his position. Markam highlighted the doubling of the 203 kilometre rail line from Raipur to Titlagarh as an old project. While 173 kilometers of the doubling had been completed six months ago, trains were already running in some sections. Markam criticized the Modi government for delaying the construction of the rail line from Jagdalpur to Rawghat, accusing them of prioritizing mineral exploration over the planned extension. Regarding the rail project from Dalli Rajhara to Rawghat, Markam emphasized that it was originally a UPA-era plan. He claimed that the Modi government had only laid a line for mineral exploration from Rawghat, neglecting the extension to Jagdalpur as initially planned.

 

Markam argued that the Prime Minister’s inauguration of a small 17-kilometer section was against the dignity of his post. Markam criticized the PM for laying the foundation stone of Raipur-Vishakhapatnam Six Line Highway, a project already underway that has involved the cutting down of thousands of trees. He accused the PM of engaging in political posturing ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. State Congress President Mohan Markam accused Prime Minister of deceiving the public and prioritizing political gains.