Vajpayee never said no to state: Dhumal

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 16

The dream of having all-weather connectivity between Manali-Ladakh through the Rohtang tunnel could become a reality only due to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision and magnanimity towards Himachal.

As the Rohtang tunnel’s construction nears completion, the state remembers Vajpayee with fondness and the special treatment he had given to the state, he considered his second home. It was Vajpayee during the NDA regime who gave nod to the almost 9-km Rohtang tunnel on June 3, 2000, and laid the foundation stone for its construction on May 23, 2002.

When it came to giving special financial assistance to the cash-strapped state, Vajpayee never said no. “The first time when he came to Kullu after becoming the PM, he gave Rs 100 crore and two days later again in Shimla, he announced another Rs 100 crore. On his second visit to lay the foundation stone of the Parbati project in Kullu, he announced Rs 200 crore, but on my insistence, he enhanced it to Rs 400 crore,” said former CM PK Dhumal.

Dhumal further said he vividly remembered that once on a lighter vein, he said, “I will have to think twice before coming to Himachal as I can’t say no to any of your demands.” That was his affection for the state and its people, he added.

It was during his regime that Himachal, along with other Himalayan states, was given a special industrial package to promote industrial development. “I have lost a father, mentor and a family member who visited my house each time he came to Manali,” said Maheshwar Singh, MLA from Kullu.

Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh also credited Vajpayee for taking special care of the needs of Himachal. “He was magnanimous towards Himachal and would ensure that all problems faced by the state are addressed on priority,” he said.

‘A man with a big heart’

"The first-time when he came to Kullu after becoming the PM, he gave Rs 100 crore and two days later again in Shimla, he announced another Rs 100 crore. On his second visit to lay the foundation stone of the Parbati project in Kullu, he announced Rs 200 crore, but on my insistence, he enhanced it to Rs 400 crore" PK Dhumal, former CM

In lighter vein

"I will have to think twice before coming to Himachal as I can’t say no to any of your demands." Vajpayee to Dhumal

Two-day holiday

The govt has declared seven-day mourning and two-day holiday in the state. The national flag will fly at half-mast and no function will be held.