Rivals share stage in Theog
It was a rare “political movement” for the public during the “jan manch” at Veergarh in Theog on Sunday. People from all walks for life attended the event and voiced their grievances. They were surprised to see Theog legislator and CPM leader Rakesh Singha and his BJP rival Rakesh Verma, who had lost to Singha, sharing the stage with Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, who presided over the event. People were confused while airing their grievances as they could neither nail Singha nor Verma. Leaders of rival parties sharing the stage was something they had never seen in the past in Theog, said a local.
Wrath of local deity
With the western disturbances leading to heavy cloud formation in the region, the authorities fear the wrath of the local deity, Indrunag, in connection with the investors’ meet being organised in Dharamsala on November 7-8. As per a local myth, if Indrunag is not pleased any event can be destroyed by heavy rains. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, which had its many matches abandoned due to rains in the region, always organises a “pooja” before any event. With clouds hovering over the skies, Kangra DC Rakesh Prajapati and Dharamsala SDM Harish Gajju on Sunday paid obeisance at Indrunag temple. Now, only time will tell if their prayers have been accepted or not, as there are 80 per cent chances of rain on the two days.
MoUs not actual investment
The Himachal Government has nearly achieved its target of signing MoUs for projects with investment of Rs 83,000 crore, but is wary of actual investment coming to the state. The Chief Minister has said that signing of MoUs did not mean that the investment had been made, rather the actual investment would be known in days to come. However, officials are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that sizeable investment would come their way but the shadow of economic recession is also haunting them at the same time. Even if sizeable investment doesn’t pour in, the government can claim the credit for taking the bold step of organising the investment meet, commented a politician.
Contributed by Kuldeep Chauhan, Lalit Mohan and Bhanu P Lohumi
