May 06, 2014
CPI (M)'s Himanchal Pradesh State Secretariat member Kuldeep Singh Tanvar said that his party will give a tough fight to BJP and Congress in Mandi and Shimla Lok Sabha constituencies elections this time. He said that both these parties during their respective rules have led Himachal Pradesh's economy to bankruptcy and people's economic condition has worsened during their rule.
Tanvar said that 90 per cent of the population resides in villages out of which 70 per cent depend upon agriculture. But, he said, the farmers neither have enough water for irrigation nor other resources that could help them in agriculture. The entire population in Himachal is facing the problem of acute water scarcity for irrigation. Although it is true that majority of the population in the state is dependent on agriculture, Congress and BJP have always ignored the problems faced by the farmers. He said that the apple produce worth Rs 3000 crore is in danger right now since the central government is in favour of giving rebate on taxes on the apple export. If this happens then the apple business in Himachal Pradesh will be in crisis.
Tanvar said that Himachal Pradesh has some specific problems to deal with such as destruction of crops by monkeys. He accused the government of failure in talking any tangible measure to resolve this issue. He pointed out that in the name of forest protection initiatives, the timber business in the state has faced loss of Rs 3800 crore. Since the businesses are making losses, unemployment has become a grave problem. Though the number of unemployed youth has increased neither has the government created new employment opportunities nor is it ready to fill up vacant posts.
Tanvar said that CPI(M) has taken up the issue of multidimensional development and expansion of rail and road transport facilities in the state. He said that in the coming days through regular campaigns CPI(M) will press upon the state and the central government to complete the road construction works as soon as possible. He also mentioned that they have demanded special state status for Himanchal Pradesh.
Tanwar was confidence that the CPI(M) will pose a tough challenge to both the BJP and Congress by raising these fundamental people's issues. He was categorical that in both these constituencies of Shimla and Mandi personalities like Modi or Rahul Gandhi are relevant and the CPI(M) has been successful to turn it into an election fought on issues.
According to him, the CPI(M)'s candidate from Mandi constituency, Kaushal Bhardwaj is a very popular candidate. People like his simplicity and honesty and that is why people cutting across classes are supporting him. The Party's candidate from Shimla, Jagat Ram has done campaign on foot in remote villages in his constituency. The Party is confident that the people in both these constituencies will vote for the Party in large numbers.
May 6, 2014
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