We dented BJP in Maharashtra, must defeat them in Jharkhand: Chidambaram

Two days after securing bail in the INX Media case, former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram lashed out at the BJP government in Centre and Jharkhand, saying that India's economy is in "incompetent hands" and Jharkhand's economy is in "even more incompetent hands". 

"India's economy is in incompetent hands and Jharkhand's economy is in even more incompetent hands," Chidambaram said at a press conference ahead of the second phase of assembly elections in Jharkhand. The former finance minister's statements also came at a time when India's quarterly GDP fell to a six-year low to 4.5 per cent when figures were released on November 29. 

Chidambaram also mentioned several developmental indicators in order to support his claim that Jharkhand is slipping backwards. 

"Jharkhand's growth rate is good two per cent below the national average. Jharkhand has third-lowest per capita income in the country. Unemployment in Jharkhand is fourth highest in the country," he said.

Chidambaram also said that Congress was able to give a "dent" to BJP in Haryana, Maharashtra. "In Haryana, we dented BJP. In Maharashtra, we dented the BJP. In Jharkhand, we must defeat the BJP," Chidambaram said. 

Senior Congress leader also said that the election in Jharkhand is an important "turning point" in the ongoing struggle between BJP and "secular, progressive parties".  

Taking a jibe at BJP's claim of "double engine growth" implying both state and Centre have BJP governments, Chidambaram said, "Double engine growth is good if the two engines are pulling in the same direction but if they are pulling the opposite direction, this is what will happen." 

Chidambaram also said that Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha will not make tall promises and will provide a "competent" government in the state.

We don't want the minister to come and tell you that I don't eat onions. Our ministers will never say that," Chidambaram added. 

The five-phase Assembly election in Jharkhand are underway and on November 30, voting for the first round was held. Voting for the next round will be held on December 7 and the elections will be completed on December 20. The results of the state Assembly election will be declared on December 23. 

(with inputs from ANI)