M A I N   N E W S

PM: politics shouldn’t hinder development

Vaishali, February 10
Laying the foundation stone of a mega rail project in Bihar, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said politics should not come in the way of development.

“Politics should not come in the way of progress,” he said while addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation of the 148.3 km long Hajipur-Sugauli railway line that would link all important sites on the Buddhist circuit.

He said it should be borne in mind that the international community did not treat individual states separately and considered the whole of India as a nation of which the parties and people were part and parcel.

“Mr Vajpayee said the parties should forget their differences when it comes to the question of the nation’s progress and development.

While enumerating the rapid advances made by India in the fields of technological and economic development, Mr Vajpayee called upon all parties to sink their political differences and work unitedly for the development of the country.

“Development of road, railway and electricity are critical to any country’s economic progress and unless these are taken care of on a priority basis, India cannot dream of getting catapulted to the league of developed nations”, he said.

Apart from giving fillip to the region’s economic development, the project would also open up fresh avenues for jobs and encourage national and international tourism, the Prime Minister said.

He said though the Indian tourism industry has shown signs of improvement with the sector earning Rs 3,200 crore in the last financial year, it was too little for a gigantic country like India.

There is a pressing need for fully exploiting the potential of the tourism sector, Mr Vajpayee said adding: “I am delighted at being in Vaishali, the karmbhoomi of Buddha and birthplace of democracy. Every particle of its soil carries the glory of ancient India”.

Referring to the golden quadrilateral project linking Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Mr Vajpayee said roads played a vital role in any country’s economy as they created fresh job opportunities.

Addressing the meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi demanded a special economic package, special status for the state and waiver of Central debt of Rs 40,000 crore. — PTI

Karnataka CLP for simultaneous poll

Bangalore, February 10
The ruling Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka today favoured holding simultaneous poll to Assembly and Lok Sabha in the state but decided to leave the final decision to the party high command.

Briefing reporters after the CLP meeting tonight, CLP Secretary Karianna said: “We are ready to face simultaneous poll but a resolution was passed leaving the final decision to the high command.” — PTI