Raman Singh thanks people for clear mandate

Raipur, Dec 8 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Monday thanked the people of the state for giving his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a 'clear mandate' in the assembly elections.

'I am obliged to people for a clear mandate to the BJP,' he said.

The 56-year-old Singh was sworn in Dec 7, 2003, as first chief minister of a BJP government in this mineral-rich state and won a second term in the elections held Nov 14 and Nov 20 this year.

As the counting of votes progressed and the BJP looked set to retain power, Singh admitted that factionalism in the rank and file of the opposition Congress had made his task easier.

'I thank 20 million people of the state for a clear mandate to the BJP, I am grateful to them and thank them for their support,' Singh told reporters.

'I will strive to maintain the pace of development and ensure peace in the state during my second stint. I am also committed to all the promises we have made in the manifesto,' the Ayurvedic-doctor-turned-politician said.