Uttarakhand Chief Minister B. C. Khanduri speaks to S. M. A. Kazmi a day before the launch of The Tribune’s Dehradun edition

He is known to be a no-nonsense man, and he is on a high. Just a month ago, knives were out for B. C. Khanduri within his own party. He rode it out and, using all his high energy, he has now capped it with a crushing victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the panchayat elections in Uttarakhand.

So, has he arrived, finally?

“Let me put it this way: the panchayat sweep means people have heard my voice and they have displayed faith in the policies of my government, the BJP, and me, both in urban and rural areas,'' Khanduri says.

“Yes,” he admits, "there have been some hiccups in the one-and-a-half years since I took charge, but panchayat successes are a firm indication that my government is on the right track and that people want me to move even faster on developing the state.”

Glad-handing does not come easy to Khanduri who is known to be a tough administrator and a hard bargainer. But, when dissidence rose against him, he moved fast and took 23 positions of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various cells and committees out of the purview of what is called “Offices of Profit”. The mollification seems to be working.

But, Khanduri had opposed large-scale grant of such positions by the earlier Congress government in the state and had campaigned against it in the last assembly polls.

How does he justify the turnaround?

“After I took over, the high command of my party decided not to give such positions to party legislators. But, as circumstances changed, there was a feeling that the time had come to be more accommodative. The decision will give us more freedom,” he explains.

A fast learner, Khanduri says he realised that he needed to improve his communication skills. The legislators who showed annoyance against him needed to be talked to. “The central leadership was in the know of things. We went beyond disagreements and talked to the unhappy legislators. Their grievances were addressed. The issue is now settled.”

Power politics is very well, but how about power generation that has suffered with work at a standstill at two hydro-plants following protests by environmentalists and Hindu organisations?

Khanduri believes in optimum exploitation of the hydro-power generation potential of Uttarakhand: “The ball is in the court of the central government which has set up a high-level expert group on these projects. Elsewhere, we have identified projects in Alaknanda and Yamuna valley. We are determined to make Uttarakhand a power surplus state and provide uninterrupted supply to people and the industry.”

Khanduri says his plan to encourage hill villagers to start their own micro-hydel projects has received a good response. “Even Uttarakhandis living abroad have shown interest in these projects in their native places. I am determined to take eco-friendly industry to the hills and I am confident good results will come in about a year’s time.”

Khanduri, who has been working overtime to reduce the financial burden of the state, finds himself in an awkward situation following the announcement of new pay-scales for government employees, based on the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission. It means a new burden of Rs 5,000 crore on the state reeling under a debt of Rs 13,000 crore.

“This was inevitable. As a welfare state, we have to look after the interests of the people. It has upset our planning to bring zero-revenue deficit and bring the fiscal deficit below two per cent from next year,” he says.

The CM says that a cabinet sub-committee has been formed to suggest measures to mobilise resources, cut costs and make structural changes in employee hierarchy. Once the panel’s recommendations are implemented, the pay-rise blow will be easier to deal with.

On his state losing out to Gujarat in wooing Tatas to set up the Nano small car project, Khanduri said the decision of entirely of the Tatas. “How can I influence them? We have certain problems with regard to limited availability of land and these were conveyed to them. It was their decision and now they have decided to have substantial production of Nano from their Pantnagar plant.”

His future plans? Would he prefer to shift to Delhi if National Democratic Alliance comes to power in the Lok Sabha polls?

“Being a loyal soldier of the party, I would obey party orders. But, it is my earnest desire to stay with the people of my state by ensuring greater development, a corruption-free administration, employment and, above all, a value system for which this Devbhoomi is known,” Khanduri says.

Do midnight burdens sit light on him?

“I have always worked to the best of my ability and competence. When you are hard at work and when you are devoted to people’s cause, the burden is at best light…”