BJP will win Chattisgarh again, Jogi not a factor: Minister

New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah has set a target of “Mission 65” for Chattisgarh where elections to the 90 member Assembly is scheduled later this year.

Exuding confidence that the BJP will win for the fourth consecutive term, senior leader and state Cabinet minister Brijmohan Agrawal on Tuesday claimed former Congress leader Ajit Jogi’s fledgling outfit Chattisgarh Janta Congress would eventually benefit the BJP.

Mr Agarwal said the BJP will beat anti-incumbency to win the Assembly polls for a fourth term and Mr Jogi’s outfit will not hinder but improve the ruling party’s chances.

He also said that the state unit is working overtime to achieve the target set by Mr Shah.

Mr Agrawal, who holds the agriculture portfolio in the Raman Singh-led government, said he was confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal would help the BJP get a majority and regain power for a fourth consecutive term.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and overall development of the state, especially in the agriculture sector, will be the two major factors for the party’s victory,” Mr Agrawal told a news agency.

Responding to a question on Mr Jogi’s entry and anti-incumbency of three terms, Mr Agrawal said the two factors would be neutralised by Mr Modi’s appeal and popularity.

Mr Agrawal said the state had won the prestigious Krishi Karman award several times, even during the Congress-led UPA regime, for its outstanding performance.