Cong govt to display ‘Chhattisgarh Mahtari’ portrait at state events

RAIPUR: Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday directed state officials to give a prominent display to the ‘Chhattisgarh Mahtari (mother)’ portrait at all government programmes.

“The splendour and prosperity of Chhattisgarh are from our farmers, Chhattisgarh Mahtari’s blessing is in their prosperity. We have decided to place the picture of Chhattisgarh Mahtari prominently in all government programs so that we can remember the glorious history and culture of our soil,” Baghel said in a tweet.

“The concept of Chhattisgarh Mahtari is taken from the idea of Bharat Mata. This is an old concept, and in parts of Chhattisgarh

there are temples of Chhattisgarh Mahtari,” said Sushil Trivedi, a retired IAS officer.

The BJP has criticised the chief minister’s decision, saying that the state government has done nothing for the people.

“We have no problem in promoting Chhattisgarhi culture and identity, but I contend that they have done nothing to the people of Chhattisgarh and fooled them,” said Dharmlal Kaushik, leader of the opposition and senior leader of the BJP.

Reacting to Kaushik’s comment, senior Congress leader and spokesperson RP Singh said, “People of the state are aware of what we are doing, and secondly they should answer what BJP has done for the culture and identity of the state in their 15-year rule.”