Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service
Shimla, September 17
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur today ticked off the Congress for trying to take credit for Himachal's development on the occasion of the function held to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of statehood here.
"For a moment, I though it is a routine Assembly session as demands were made. I personally feel that it is not an occasion to take credit but to rise above petty political considerations and together pledge for the state's development," he said. "On this glorious day it is immaterial as to who signed an agreement or who got special industrial package as the sole objective should be to ensure that the state surges ahead on the path of development and achieves greater heights," he said.
Anurag made these remarks in an oblique reference to the speech of Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri at a function held in the Vidhan Sabha to felicitate all former Speakers and legislators.
"If the British had not made the railway line to Shimla, probably it would have never been made and till date the rail and air connectivity to the state remains very poor," he said. He also made a reference to Himachal not being given its arrears by the neighbouring states.
"Either the Centre should give this amount as it is huge or pressure the states concerned to give it," he said. He added that the interest of the apple growers must be protected as it is a thriving Rs 5,000 crore economy. "You are holding a very important portfolio of Information and Broadcasting Minister, a post held by great leaders like Indira Gandhi. So, you must assert to get Himachal its legitimate rights," Agnihotri said.
"It is immaterial who did what as everyone, including chief ministers from both Congress and BJP, have made invaluable contributions to the state's development," said Anurag. So, this was not a forum to list achievements and take credit and create political divisions but to join hands and work unitedly to make Himachal, the crown of India, as aptly remarked by the President, he added.
Anurag said only a few get the opportunity to become Chief Minister so contribution of every MLA was significant. "In fact, we should have set a road map for the future development of Himachal," he said. He also asked his Information and Broadcasting Ministry to make a special documentary, highlighting HP's journey of success.
The minister suggested that the library of the Vidhan Sabha should be thrown open for school and college students so that they get to see and read the quality debates and speeches and not just the confrontation between MLAs.
"The contribution of the apple growers cannot be ignored and their interest must also be protected," Anurag said.
Courtesy: Tribune News Service