BHOPAL: A day after announcing to launch a de-addiction campaign in Madhya Pradesh, BJP leader Uma Bharti worte to chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clarifying that the drive would be an awareness campaign against alcohol and drug consumption. MP cabinet minister Vishwas Sarang has also supported Bharti for her drive saying it is not political but a social campaign.
“I had stated about a public awareness campaign against drug abuse and alcoholism in the state. You being a righteous person, are also worried about the poor people getting ruined by alcohol and drug addiction. I have made clear that there should be no political statement on this issue and nor any undue pressure on the state government but a sincere effort to help people quit addiction voluntarily by awakening their social consciousness,” read the letter by Bharti.
The BJP leader further said that in the Independent India of Gandhi’s imagination, there was de-addiction and prohibition. “The efforts made in the country so far on awakening have been more successful socially instead of politically or by the government,” she said.
Bharti said that Madhya Pradesh is a peaceful state with a cultural heritage hence, on March 8, discussion will be held on efforts towards social awakening. “We will continue to exchange thoughts with you (CM) in this regard. My effort would be to play a cooperative role with the government in controlling the alcohol and drug addictions,” she said.
Uma Bharti had on Wednesday announced to launch a statewide campaign against consumption of alcohol and drugs from Women’s Day. Her announcement comes at a time the Congress has been targeting the ruling BJP alleging the state is being converted into a `land of liquor’.
Meanwhile, MP cabinet minister Vishwas Sarang has defended Bharti for her demand for total prohibition. He said that Bharti was true and he would support the cause. “Uma Bharti is a senior party leader. She has taken up a social cause and not any political action. This is for the good of the people and the state,” said Sarang.