Indore, Jul 15 (IANS): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said his government has received people's support through phased development of the state.

Addressing a rally here on the second day of his third Jan Ashirwad Yatra on Sunday, Shivraj said he is receiving more love and support this time, compared to the two previous yatras (2008 and 2013).

The Chief Minister began the Jan Ashirwad Yatra from the holy city of Ujjain on Saturday, months ahead of the Assembly elections. Covering all 230 constituencies of the state, he is expected to address around 700 rallies during the yatra.

He said Madhya Pradesh was an under-developed state when he took over the reins of the state. The condition of roads and electricity and water supply are some of the areas in which his government had focused.

He said the Ladli Laxmi scheme was initiated to improve the educational and economic status of girls and bring a positive change in the society's attitude towards the birth of a girl child.

In the second phase, developmental works in the irrigation sector were undertaken following which the area under irrigation has increased from 7.5 lakh hectares to 40 lakh hectares.

The Chief Minister said Madhya Pradesh is now counted as a developed state. "Our roadmap for further initiatives is ready," he said.

Talking on law and order, Chouhan said there was a time when northern Madhya Pradesh used to be full of robbers but now, the scenario has improved a lot. He said the Maoist problem has also been tackled effectively.