Hand over Dharamsala Assembly complex to CUHP: Shanta

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, September 1

BJP MP from Kangra on Saturday stirred a controversy by demanding that the Himachal Pradesh Assembly complex in Dharamsala should be handed over to Central University Himachal Pradesh (CUHP).

Addressing a press conference here, Shanta said there was no logic in maintaining the Assembly complex for holding just the Winter session that lasted just for a few days.

The complex was constructed here in 2006 by former Congress CM Virbhadra Singh to negate the allegations levelled against him for being anti-Kangra.

Shanta’s statement is likely to evoke strong reactions from Congress leaders of the region.

He is not the only leader who has expressed opinion regarding winding up the Assembly complex. Earlier, former Speaker BBL Butail had also expressed similar opinion. However, every time the demand had met with strong resistance from political leaders in Kangra.

When asked about the declining value of Indian rupee which had reduced to Rs 71 against dollar, Shanta Kumar said it was a temporary setback due to macro steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, in the long term, the steps would be beneficial to economy, Shanta Kumar said, indicating towards demonetisation and GST.

About the Circuit Bench of the High Court at Dharamsala, he said the state government had done its part. Now, the High Court should consider the request of the state government and bring the Bench to Dharamsala.

Shanta Kumar said he did not want to contest the next Lak Sabha elections. “I want that some younger leader should replace me from Kangra.”

Shanta Kumar also flayed the Congress leaders for opposing the state guest status accorded to MS Dhoni during his recent visit to Shimla.

Circuit Bench of HC

About the Circuit Bench of the High Court at Dharamsala, MP Shanta Kumar  said the state government had done its part. Now, the High Court should consider the request of the state government and bring the Bench to Dharamsala.