Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal has said that the first priority of his government would be to extend relief and justice to those who were victimised during the Congress regime.
In an exclusive interview to Organiser, Prof. Dhumal stated that the voters were waiting for the day to cast their vote to oust the corrupt Congress from the power. He said, ?The main reason behind our victory is the achievements of our government during 1998-2003. The people of Himachal Pradesh are very intelligent. They compared the policies and functioning of our government with that of the Congress regime and gave mandate in favour of the BJP.? He maintained that the unity within the party also played a positive role and under the guidance of central leadership including Shri Shanta Kumar the party could achieve the target.
Prof. Dhumal said that in 2003, we lost the elections due to the false propaganda of Congress. At that time, the people were badly misled against the BJP. But in this election, the voters realised that the BJP is the only party they can bank upon. ?You will remember that Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee gave a special financial package and grant to Himachal Pradesh. In spite of financial crunch, with the support of the then BJP government at the centre, we not only continued but increased the pace of developmental activities in the state. But the present Congress government at the centre did not give a single paisa to the Congress government in Himachal. The developmental activities during the Congress regime remained virtually at a standstill. Now, the mandate has put a great responsibility on us to fulfill the aspirations of our people,? he added.
He disclosed that to reduce the emotional as well as physical distances, his government would construct tunnels in the state. According to him the tunnels would also increase the pace of development in the state and the focus would be on to strengthen health and education sectors along with promoting tourism industry and power projects to mobilise resources and provide employment to youth. He said that this peaceful state will be developed as an education hub to attract students from within the country and abroad. It would also promote tourism as parents and relatives of students would like to visit the state to see their wards. Prof. Dhumal also said that the construction of Rohtang tunnel would be his priority. It would strengthen the national security and also give boost to tourism. He said that a sincere effort would be made to start the ancient route to Mansarovar (Tibet) from tribal district of Kinnaur in HP.
On a question, Prof. Dhumal said that all the corruption charges against the Congress leaders would be enquired and the guilty be booked. But he made it clear that no innocent would be penalised due to his or her political thinking.
