'Atrocities on tribals by Cong, BJP gov led to rise in Maoism'

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Prashant Bhushan today held atrocities on tribals during the rule of both Congress and BJP governments responsible for the rise in Maoism in Chhattisgarh.

"The parties looted natural resources of tribals. They (tribals) have suffered huge atrocities when they took stand for their rights. Even today, thousands of tribals are languishing in jail. All these things gave rise to Maoism," the lawyer-turned politician said in a press conference here this late evening.

"I squarely held responsible Raman Singh government and Congress for this," he said. He also accused ruling BJP of snatching farmers' land for developing new Raipur capital without providing them adequate compensation.

Bhushan was in the state to campaign for AAP candidate Soni Sori who is contesting from Bastar Lok Sabha seat which is going to polls on April 10.

"Both BJP and Congress gave preference to dynasty politics in selecting their candidate from Bastar while we have nominated a woman (Soni Sori) who is a victim of this system and has been fighting for the tribal rights," he said.

BJP has fielded the sitting MP and the son of a former MP late Baliram Kashyap, Dinesh Kashyap from Bastar seat.

Similarly, Congress has fielded the son of former leader of opposition late Mahendra Karma, Deepak Karma from the seat.

He further alleged the BJP government of not taking action against its MP and MLA who were allegedly linked with people involved in raising funds for Maoists.

Kanker Lok Sabha's sitting BJP MP Sohan Potai and Antagarh BJP MLA Vikram Usendi allegedly had connection with businessmen who were recently arrested on charges of raising fund for Maoists but no action was taken against the leaders, he alleged.

Meanwhile, a group of youth reached the venue of the press conference and raised slogans against Bhushan. However, they left the spot later.