Raman Singh questions Jogi for pulling out of 'challenge'

Raipur, Nov 2 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Sunday questioned Congress leader and former chief minister Ajit Jogi for not honouring the challenge to fight against him in the November assembly polls.

Jogi had been repeatedly saying at press meets for months that he would fight against Raman Singh in the assembly polls whatever the seat he chose.

'It was Jogi who challenged me, I had just welcomed his decision. I thought people would have a rare opportunity to witness an interesting contest,' Singh told IANS.

'But I am surprised he (Jogi) failed to honour his words. Such acts dent the credibility of a politician,' the 56-year-old doctor-turned-politician said.

Singh is contesting from the Rajnandgaon seat that is being held by the Congress which fielded its sitting legislator Udai Mudliyar who won in the November 2003 polls against BJP nominee Leelaram Bhojwani by barely 40 votes.

The state goes to polls in two phases - on Nov 14 and 20 - to elect a new 90 member state assembly. In the first phase, 39 seats will go to polls while 51 seats will see election in the second and final phase.