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Sunday,
February 23, 2003, Chandigarh, India  
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BJP regime corrupt, inefficient: Sonia
Gandhi
PM’s warning boosts BJP candidates’ morale Advani plays Hindutva
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FIRST-TIME VOTERS Jaitley ridicules Cong
charges Shinde blasts govt over unemployment
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BJP regime corrupt, inefficient: Sonia
Gandhi Hamirpur, February 22 Mrs Gandhi arrived here shortly before 11.30 a.m. to the pleasant surprise of both local leaders and party workers here. She was at the venue of the rally on dot and made a short and crisp address in perhaps one of the briefest — 20-minutes —- election rally ever held here. She, however, made up for her brief speech by trying to strike a direct chord with the audience in general and women in particular by going down to them, acknowledging their greetings with folded hands. She had SPG personnel chasing her as she briskly went across, completing a round. Her arrival on time and a quick end to the rally may have been the reason for the turnout failing to match the expectations. In fact, crowd was still coming in when it was all over at the venue. On her arrival, she inspected a guard of honour from Sewa Dal workers. The local Congress committee had also put up a float, of its election symbol — open hand — near the podium. She took the NDA government at the centre and the BJP Government in Himachal to the task for their failure to keep any of their pre-election promises .”’Where are the crores of jobs both the NDA and the BJP had promised to the unemployed youth of the country ? Where is the neat, clean and efficient administration they promised? “They forget about their promises after coming to power. Everyday we hear of a new scam both at the centre and in the state. Instead of talking about their performance, they are resorting to political bashing of the Congress. They are not sparing even Mrs Indira Gandhi and Mr Rajiv Gandhi, who made the supreme sacrifices for the country. It had been the Congress which had always during its rule ushered in an era of allround development in this “veer bhoomi,” she said, eulogising the great sacrifices made by the youth of this district in the defence of the honour of the country. On behalf of her party she saluted all martyrs of Hamirpur and made a special reference to Major Vikram Batra and Captain Anmol Kalia. Though it was more or less a repeat of her speech at Kulu yesterday, Mrs Gandhi said that her party has policies and programmes to tackle the problem of unemployment. “The present government was trying to privatise even profit-making public sector undertakings. Instead of giving jobs, it was taking away jobs. These public sector undertakings were set up by previous Congress governments in the state with public money not only for the development of the state but also to generate employment for the youth. The Congress has always worked for the betterment of all sections of society without any discrimination. It started programmes for the welfare and betterment of Dalits, adivasis, women, backward classes and tribals. Mr Rajiv Gandhi wanted to give powers to people at the grassroots level by strengthening panchayati raj institutions. It was he who strongly advocated reservations for the weaker and unrepresented sections, including OBCs and women. The Congress was committed to working for the betterment of human life in the country and no one could deviate it from its path she said. She assailed the BJP government for raising the tariff for supply of drinking water and introducing user charges in hospitals. She ended her speech by urging the people to think before exercising their right to franchise. Mr Virbhadra Singh and Mrs Vidya Stokes arrived in the same vehicle and were joined by Mr Moti Lal Vora a little later. Six of the Congress candidates, including five from Hamirpur and one from the adjoining Paragpur assembly constituency, also addressed the audience briefly before Mrs Gandhi had come. They were later introduced to the audience in the presence of Mrs Gandhi. Both Mrs Vidya Stokes and Mr Virbhadra Singh made brief speeches urging the people to vote for the Congress. Mrs Stokes was the first to offer Mrs Gandhi a cap and a shawl and Mr Virbhadra Singh followed with a royal green Bushairi cap. PALAMPUR: Terming the BJP regime in Himachal as corrupt and inefficient, Mrs Sonia Gandhi has said that fed up with the BJP misrule people had made up their mind to vote the Dhumal government out of power. Addressing an impressive election rally on the Palampur Agriculture University campus today Mrs Gandhi accused the BJP of vitiating the political atmosphere in the state to divert the attention of the electorate from the core issues. “While the Congress has always honoured its election promises made to the people, the BJP on the contrary has taken them for a ride with their political gimmicks,” she stated. She assured the people that if voted to power in Himachal she would personally monitor the implementation of the poll promises contained in the party’s manifesto, as was being done in other Congress-ruled states. “Fed up with the BJP misrule marred by corruption, nepotism and inefficiency, one can see winds of change sweeping the hill state,” she remarked. While expressing concern over rising unemployment, she accused the Dhumal regime of adopting a pick and choose policy in giving government jobs. “A party, whose intentions are doubtful, cannot be trusted and it is for this very reason that all sections of society, including farmers, employees, youth and women, are wanting a change of government,” she added. She said the successive Congress governments in Himachal, right from the days of the first Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Parmar, had ensured uniform development without discrimination against any region. Mrs Gandhi said a hill state like Himachal could make strides by promoting horticulture, agriculture, tea industry and the power sector. “Despite a hydro electric potential of 20,000 mw, the state government had not done much to harness this and on the contrary it had failed to protect the interests of the state while signing the MOU for various power projects. On the other hand the Congress had always accorded top priority to providing facilities in the villages, as no nation can progress till economic prosperity reaches the rural areas”. Paying rich tributes to the martyrs, who had made the supreme sacrifice for the country, she said it was for this very reason that Himachal was known as the home of Gods and warriors. The CLP leader, Mr Virbhadra Singh, and the HPCC chief, Mrs Vidya Stokes, also addressed the gathering. SHIMLA: Mrs Sonia Gandhi, on Saturday blamed wrong policies of the BJP-led Government at the Centre for growing unemployment and corruption and said that its divisive agenda was posing a serious challenge to the composite culture and unity of the country. Addressing an impressive election rally at the historic Ridge Maidan, she said social norms, ethics and values were thrown to winds under the BJP-run governments as a result of which corruption had spread like cancer and had become an integral part of governance. The dreams of freedom fighters and nation builders had been shattered. The innumerable scams and scandals that surfaced during the past couple of years had severely eroded the credibility of the ruling dispensation. Worse, instead of accepting its shortcomings and making amends the BJP had been responding by making wild allegations. Mrs Gandhi was uncharacteristically fluent in her Hindi and she drew a repeated applause from the enthusiastic crowd during her speech. Sensing the mood of the people, she struck an emotional chord by reminding that Mrs Indira Gandhi announced statehood for Himachal Pradesh from this very platform 32 years ago. Expressing concern over growing unemployment, she said, the situation was worse in Himachal. There was large-scale corruption and injustice in recruitment to government jobs. The problem of unemployment could have been solved had the government shown political will and pursued right policies. The hill state was rich in natural resources and its hardworking people were an asset. By encouraging industrialisation and exploiting the tourism potential jobs could have been created. Political power was an instrument to serve the people. However, BJP leaders put self before the people. The overwhelming response, she had been getting in her rallies clearly indicated that winds of change were sweeping the state. |
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Mrs Sonia Gandhi arrived in Hamirpur on Saturday around 11.25 am and was on the NIT ground at 11.59 am as the crowd from the rural and remote areas was still flowing to the venue of the rally. Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who was apparently unhappy at the slow clearance of people by the security staff deployed at the venue of the rally, made repeated pleas on the public address system for ‘quick clearance’. Even Mr Moti Lal Vora made a similar appeal to the security personnel.
*** When Mr Vora introduced Mr Virbhadra Singh from the podium, Mrs Vidya Stokes was quick to climb the podium and join them in acknowledging greetings from the audience. And Mr Virbhadra Singh managed to score a point when the royal cap offered by him to Mrs Gandhi replaced the one she had worn after being offered earlier by Mrs Stokes. After being garlanded by some of the candidates, Mrs Gandhi quickly went towards the Seva Dal contingent to inspect an impressive guard of honour. Though she read out her speech, her dialogue delivery and pronunciation appeared to have improved considerably. *** Not many in the audience had settled in their seats when the rally ended. Mrs Gandhi spoke for 14 minutes after both Mrs Vidya Stokes and Mr Virbhadra Singh had addressed the audience for a couple of minutes each. People of this town perhaps never had such a rich feast of politics with the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition at the centre addressing them within 24 hours of each other. Like on Friday, women turned up in large numbers for the second successive day. The audience, responding to requests from the podium, clapped several times while slogans were raised only after Mrs Gandhi came down from the podium and had a quick exchange of greetings with women participants at the rally.
*** There were some unsavoury moments also when the SPG personnel and the police stopped the District Congress Committee chief, Mr Balak Ram Sharma, from going to the podium. He had an altercation with them before he was allowed to go up and formally welcome the AICC President. Immediately afterwards he was asked to come down and sit with party functionaries on the left side of the podium. Since the BJP workers had covered the town with their party flags and buntings, the Congress workers, too, did not lag behind and covered all remaining spaces with their flags and banners. The Congress men also made free use of election material, including party flags, made from polythene sheets and filled the venue with them. |
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PM’s warning boosts BJP candidates’ morale Hamirpur, February 22 Though back-to-back election rallies — average to moderate — may not have reached the expectations of candidates and leaders of the traditional political rivals, these have been successful in sending a veiled warning or even a stern message to the rebels that they have, as of today, no place or sympathy in the parties they belong to. Both Mr Vajpayee and Mrs Sonia Gandhi wanted voters to exercise their right to franchise wisely and bring in a party which could give them a ‘neat, clean and efficient administration’. “Individuals cannot replace the parties and in parliamentary democracies, it is parties which matter,” was the message given by Mr Vajpayee to the rebels, especially those belonging to ‘Mitra Milan’, who were opposing the official candidates in three of the five constituencies in the home district of the Chief Minister here. The Congress is placed no better. Besides its own rebels, it has a challenge posed by Himachal Vikas Congress candidates in at least two constituencies. Apart from rebels or Independents of some substance, another important factor that may have brought some cheers to the BJP candidates here has been the successful, though late, projection of the slogan ‘CM from Hamirpur’. Even at Mr Vajpayee’s rally yesterday, speakers were critical of the dominance of Rohru or Theog in projecting the future Chief Minister of the state. “Now Hamirpur, besides wheat and maize, also produces Chief Ministers,” said the district BJP president, holding that earlier Congressmen from Shimla used to tease them for playing second fiddle to them in state politics. Whatever be the case, the back-to-back election rallies, were a successful show of strength both by the BJP and the Congress. Without getting into controversy of which rally got a bigger audience, one could safely infer that these rallies might not have wooed or swayed fence-sitters in either party’s fold, but gave an opportunity to an average man on the street to see the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in person. Frankly, what they spoke at the rallies was nothing new, but a repeat of almost what they had said earlier at similar rallies elsewhere. For hardcore party workers, the presence of the national leader works, especially in a scenario when the number of rebellious candidates in both the major parties — the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party — has been on the rise. No action could deter the rebels from continuing in the contest. Another important factor has been the role which the HVC candidates may play. They may be detrimental to the interests of Congress candidates, especially those owing allegiance to Mr Virbhadra Singh. The mute point is their ability to garner away cadre or committed votes of the candidates they want to target. Both the Congress and the BJP maintain that rebels can in no way take away their committed votes. Their shakiness, however, indicates otherwise. They have done their best to persuade or pressurise the rebels to retire, but without any success. The message given by party high commands in suspending them or expelling them from the party on disciplinary grounds has had no impact on them as anyone, who wins a seat will be more than welcome to join back, especially in case the electors decide to repeat a fractured verdict. “We are certain we will have the last laugh. This time, we will go with the party which promises us chief
ministership,” remarked Mr Deepak Sharma of the Himachal Vikas Congress, holding that both rebels and HVC candidates would hold the balance in forming of the next government. Results of Hamirpur will have a far-reaching bearing on the political future of the state. |
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Advani plays Hindutva
card Una, February 22 Mr Advani, arrived behind schedule by more than an hour in an Indian Air Force helicopter. He got off at the Indira Stadium here amidst chants of ‘Jai Shree Ram’. In his brief 15-minute speech, he said the Congress was even opposed to the move of the BJP to go to court for a solution and this had vitiated the atmosphere. The Congress, he said, was worthy of only pity and not anger. The party was getting fidgety while sitting in the opposition, he said. The Congress had enjoyed 45 years of almost single-party rule and the BJP, he pointed out, had just two seats in the 1984 elections after the death of Indira Gandhi. Himachal Pradesh, under the leadership of Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, had done wonders, he said. He said the BJP was all set to come back to power. Mr Dhumal had given a new face to honest governance and development, he claimed. The BJP had kept his promise of golden rule, he stated. Mr Advani said the state had tremendous potential for tourism and could be the next Switzerland. Since India was doing very well in the field of information technology and software development, Himachal Pradesh should be the ideal destination for companies wanting to set up units here, he said. Mr Advani said the BJP aimed to make India a developed nation by 2020. In the developed world, people were surprised that India, with its vast pool of resources and talent, was not a developed nation 55 years after Independence, he said. CHAMBA: Mr L.K. Advani has expressed deep concern about the present political ills like “politics of vote bank” nation had become backward. The Congress, he alleged was politicking merely on the basis of vote bank. Addressing a mammoth election rally in the historic chowgan of Chamba on Saturday, Mr Advani categorically stated that the BJP was contesting elections in Himachal on the main poll planks of development and security, adding that the party would continue to contest all elections in the country on these issues. The BJP wanted to wipe out the atmosphere of insecurity and was making all-out efforts to develop every village. He, however, said that poverty in Himachal was not as much as in Orissa. The Union Government was making efforts to combat divisive forces and taking measures to root out such anti-national forces. About 151 ISI centres across the country had so far been destroyed by the security forces. Mr Advani appealed to the public to continue extending wholehearted support to Vajpayeeji thereby strengthening his hands to take the nation ahead on the path of progress and prosperity. Though Himachal was a small state, it was beautiful like Switzerland, pleading that an environment should be created to develop optimal infrastructure to boost tourism. He urged the electorate to vote the BJP to power and give a chance to bring the state on the peak of development. Earlier, welcoming Mr Advani, local BJP candidate Balkrishan Chauhan honoured Mr Advani by presenting him with a shawl and a Himachali cap. During his speech Mr Chauhan apprised Mr Advani of the basic problems of the Chamba region like absence of professional colleges, healthcare and education. Mr Chaman Lal Gupta, Union Minister of Defence, was also present. SUNDERNAGAR: Mr L. K. Advani, while addressing a press conference here, said in the Assembly Elections “the performance of the government is the main issue and the BJP is asking people to cast votes on this issue.” Earlier, addressing an election rally at “Jawahar Park” here, he said in Himachal there was much scope for development of “information technology, tourism industry and the BJP Government would take the hill state to further development if the party was voted to power. He criticised the Congress for not cooperating with the BJP while passing POTA. |
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FIRST-TIME VOTERS SHIMLA They seem to be concerned about unemployment, corruption and development but generally lack proper appreciation of electoral politics in the management of the country’s affairs. On the other hand those associated with student politics appeared to be quite aware of the issues. Obviously, they are not only toeing the party line but also actively working for the success of their respective candidates. Students without any political inclinations are largely indifferent to the elections. For instance, Amit, who is appearing in the plus two examinations, is not enthusiastic about casting his vote. He is not much concerned about the issues and casually says that he will make a choice when the moment arrives. This is the case with most of the young electors, up to 20 years of age, who have just qualified as voters. They do not appear to be serious about political issues though a general feeling of disillusionment with the ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress was perceptible. Many of them admitted that they would consult family members and friends before making a choice. Those in the 20-25 age group had a fair knowledge about the issues of unemployment, nepotism and favouritism in recruitment to government jobs. If merit has to be ignored and jobs are to be given solely on political considerations what is the future of the meritorious students? asks Mr Rakesh
Dhaulta, who has just completed his M.B.B.S degree. The youth are worried over the lack of job avenues and the current employment situation but they are not sure which party will be able to improve the situation. The only inference one could draw is that they are not satisfied with the efforts or promises of the BJP and the Congress, the two main contenders for power. There is also a section of young voters which appreciates the effort of the BJP government in encouraging information technology, which has the maximum job potential, and setting up educational institutions like dental colleges,
B.Ed. colleges and engineering colleges. Another feature is that the young urban voter is least concerned about development. Perhaps, it will take some more time for the youth to attain political maturity and realise the importance of elections in shaping their own and the state’s future. |
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Jaitley ridicules Cong
charges Shimla, February 22 Refuting the corruption charges, Union Law and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley told a press conference here today that those living in a glass house were making these hysterical and baseless allegations and were not providing details on the developmental records of the Congress during its regime. Mr Jaitley said Ms Gandhi’s statements were neither posers nor answers while the BJP wanted her to join debate on development of the state during the Congress
regimes. He said Ms Gandhi was making unsubstantiated allegations of so-called scams. Union Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma said the government was moving a Bill in the on-going session of Parliament to provide pension, medicare and compensation in case of death to 37 crore workers in 125 categories of unorganised sector, including those self-employed. He said the announcement of the election stalled a package of a house to each PF contributor in Himachal at very low interest rates adding that Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had assured land free of cost for the purpose. Mr Verma said Rs 250 assistance to every woman, who gave birth to a child at home had been increased to Rs 1,000. The Union Minister said Himachal was going to get an Employees State Insurance hospital, which would be built at a cost of Rs 160 crore. Mr Verma said an ESI directorate was also being made in the state. |
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Shinde blasts govt over unemployment Shimla, February 22 Addressing a press conference here, Mr Shinde said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had to face the flak of FICCI member Rahul Bajaj when he reportedly said the law and order condition was so bad that private investment would not come to the state. Mr Shinde said if the party was voted to power in the state, Maharashtra would extend its cooperation in information technology, transport and tourism. He said the employment guarantee scheme of Maharashtra could be replicated in Himachal Pradesh under Congress rule. He said he would ask film industry to utilise the locales of Himachal Pradesh in shooting. |
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Shops ordered closed on Feb 26 BILASPUR: All shops and business establishments will remain closed in the state on the polling day (February 26) and these establishments will now remain open on Sunday (March 2) in lieu of February 26. This order has been passed by the Governor under HP Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1969/1970. This order shall not apply to the three Assembly segments of Kinnaur, Lahalu-Spiti and Bharmour. OC Decision to support Cong
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