Padyatra for road a drama: Sukhu

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 30

Pradesh Congress Committee president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu today termed the padyatra by the BJP on delay in completion of the Theog-Rohru-Hatkoti road a political drama and it was the BJP which was responsible for the delay.

Addressing party workers at Nerwa in Chopal, Sukhu said the BJP was restoring to political gimmickry as it had no issues. “At least, the BJP has no moral right to raise the issue of the road as during their own rule, the BJP could not complete even 10 per cent of the work,” he stated. Others present included Balbir Verma, MLA, and Subhash Manglet, former MLA.

He said soon after assuming power in Himachal, the Congress government had issued fresh tenders and the government was hopeful of completing the road within the stipulated time.

He blamed the Dhumal government for ignoring Chopal and said the credit for development of the areas went to the successive Congress governments at the Centre and the state.

“Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, during his visit to the area, has announced several development works and upgraded schools,” he said.

Sukhu said development of the road network was the priority of the Congress governments as roads were the lifeline for the people of hill state.

“The Congress government is aiming to provide better road infrastructure to the people which would also boost tourism activities. Further, there is the need to conduct feasibility studies for construction of tunnels so as to shorten the distance between different areas,” he said.

He urged party workers to work in the coordinated manner in the state as they were the main strength of the party. “The Congress can emerge strong only if party workers follow party ideals and put in hard work to strengthen the organistaion,” he said.

He added that it was party workers who made leaders and governments. “I assure party workers that as PCC president, I am with them and I will visit the entire state to interact with the BCCs and DCCs and the party workers,” he added.

----------The BJP has no moral right to raise the issue of the road as during their own rule, the BJP could not complete even 10 per cent of the work-- Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, PCC chief