Summary:
Pune, Oct 21 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday invited industry to invest in his state, saying that anti-social elements won"t be any trouble as they now fear his government"s "bulldozer action." Speaking on investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh at a program organised by the MP government and Confederation of Indian Industry here, he also said his state has ample cheap land available for the industry compared to Pune and Mumbai.
"When I became the CM (for the first time), there were dacoits in Chambal region and movies used to be made on them in Mumbai.
But I snatched jobs of Mumbaiwallas as the dacoits were either eliminated or surrendered or they are languishing in jails," he said.
Maoism too was eliminated from the state and the network of the banned Students" Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was destroyed, Chouhan said.
"There is no goondagardi (hooliganism) now.
If anyone indulges in goondagardi or dabangai (bullying), Mama"s bulldozer runs directly.
So there is no fear that someone will trouble you (businesses)," he assured.
Chouhan is fondly called "Mama" by his supporters.
His government had faced criticism over `bulldozer action" or demolition drives against alleged rioters following violence during Ram Navami processions in April.
The government was accused of bypassing the due process of law while demolishing alleged unauthorized structures of accused.
Speaking at the program, Chouhan further said his government freed 21,000 acres of land from the clutches of encroachers and houses are being constructed for the poor on this land now.
"MP has the most conducive atmosphere for businesses," he said, while urging the industry to invest in the state.
"The state has ample cheap land for businesses, and also skilled manpower.
It also offers affordable electricity to the industry," he added.
After becoming CM for the fourth time (in March 2020), the first thing his government did was to bring in labour reforms, he said.
"Our policies are investor-friendly.