Who will win the capital?

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

With assembly polls less than a month away, the speculations have already started as to who will next MLA from Shimla? Each individual has his or her own views in this regard. Bharatiya Janta Party stole the scene by declaring the sitting MLA from Shimla (Urban) Mr. Suresh Bhardwaj, as its candidate from the constituency in the first list of candidates released by it. The Congress was somewhat lost in the blame-game and infighting, so couldn’t choose the candidate at the earliest.

Former Mayor, Mr. Harish Janartha has been declared as its candidate by the Congress party. Sensing the public resentment against the congress and the BJP, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has also fielded Deputy Mayor Shimla, Mr. Tikender Panwar as its candidate. The fight on Shimla seat has always been 3 sided for the past many years.

In the 2007 assembly polls, BJP candidate Mr. Suresh Bhardwaj remained victorious followed by CPI (M) candidate Mr. Sanjay Chauhan, whereas Congress candidate Mr. Harbhajan Singh Bhajji remained at third position. The speculations are on as to who will win the capital this time. Some locals are well-satisfied with the development worked undertaken by the present government; whereas others say that Mission Repeat will be impossible to be materialized as BJP will have to face anti-incumbency as well.

Virbhadra will be CM for 6th time: Vidya Stokes

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            Once considered to be the two opposite poles of Himachal congress, Virbhadra Singh and Vidya Stokes have exhibited a great sense of unity just prior to the state polls. Addressing a congress working committee meeting at Rajeev Bhawan, Leader of Opposition, Mrs. Vidya Stokes said that the congress party will remain victorious in the forthcoming assembly polls under the leadership of Virbhadra Singh and that the PCC President will definitely hold the position of state chief minister for the 6^th time.

Making a sarcastic remark, PCC president said that it would really be interesting to see that who remains victorious with a greater margin, he or Mrs. Stokes. The meeting was held in the congress state headquarters to welcome NSUI ex-president Mr. Atul Sharma back into the party fold. Virbhadra Singh said that he was ready to welcome any person back into the party provided the person was willing to uproot the present BJP regime.

Mrs. Stokes even praised Virbhadra’s son, Vikramaditya for his dedication and hard-work. She said that it could be her last term as an active politician and wished the party would write new records of success and glory with young and enthusiastic members.

Ticket condenters raise voice against denial of ticket

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            With the denial of tickets to various ticket contenders, the so called ‘party loyalists’ have started saying goodbye to their respective parties. More than two dozen prominent people have left their respective parties and joined hands with other parties. Rohru MLA Khushi Ram Balnatah has left the BJP and joined Himachal Lokhit Party. He is expected to be fielded from Kasumpti constituency on HLP ticket.

Rampur Bushahar BJP leader Brij Lal has left the BJP and joined congress alongwith his followers on denial of party ticket. Ex- MLA from Kinnaur, Chet Ram has also left the BJP and is expected to contest either independent or on HLP ticket. Ex-MLA from Karsog, Joginder Pal has also said goodbye to BJP on denial of ticket.

The atmosphere is not congenial in the congress party fold too. Kasumpti block congress president resigned in resentment against the congress ticket allotment to Mr. Anirudh Singh ignoring the candidature of Mrs. Pratibha Singh. The Kasumpti block congress has decided to field Jyoti Sen as the independent candidate to oppose the ticket allotment to Anirudh Singh, who according to them is an outsider. The candidate from Paonta is also facing opposition from the supporters of Kirnesh Jung. Party workers from Sulah, Arki, Baijnath & Dharamshala are also opposing the ticket allotment in their respective segments.

Some interesting facts about elections in HP

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

With Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls round the corner, here we present some interesting electoral facts about the hill state.

·        Himachal Pradesh has a total of 45.15 lac voters, half of them being below 40 years of age.

·        HP state legislative assembly has 68 seats.

·        State’s highest polling station is situated in Charaf Batori in Chamba district which is at a height of 16,000 feet above sea level.

·        Sulah Assembly constituency has the maximum numbers of voters i.e. 87,091 in contrast with Lahaul & Spiti which has minimum number i.e. 22,077.

·        In previous 2007 assembly polls, highest voting percentage of 83.18% was recorded in Nalagarh Assembly constituency in contrast with the lowest voting percentage of 61.90 recorded in Solan Assembly segment.

·        Country’s first polling station for the first general election in Free India was set up at Kalpa in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

·        Mr. Shyam Saran Negi, aged 95 years, is the oldest and the first voter of Independent India. He lives in Kalpa, Kinnaur.

Relatives, friends to fight against each-other

            Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            These elections would really be very interesting as the elections have brought about rivalry and a sense of competition in many families in the state. Some examples are:

·         From Banjar Assembly seat, elder brother Mr. Maheshwar Singh is contesting on Himachal Lokhit Party ticket whereas younger brother Mr. Karan Singh is contesting against his elder brother on a congress ticket.

·         Newly formed Dalhousie constituency will see two erstwhile best friends, Mrs. Renu Chadha on BJP ticket and Mrs. Asha Kumari on congress ticket. Though this segment was known as Banikhet in the previous elections, the candidates remain the same.

·         From Jogindernagar seat, Revenue & PWD Minister Thakur Gulab Singh is contesting on BJP ticket whereas his nephew Surinder Pal Singh will contest against him on the congress ticket. Surinder Pal Singh had defeated Thakur Gulab Singh in the 2003 elections, whereas Thakur Gulab Singh remained successful in winning the seat in 2007 elections.

·         A unique coincidence has occurred on the Una (Sadar) assembly seat. The coincidence is that in both the cases, the winner and the looser will be Satpal. BJP has filed the sitting MLA and its state president Satpal Singh Satti as its candidate whereas Congress has given its ticket to Satpal Singh Raizada. People can be heard gossiping in local languages, “Jo Marji Jitti Jaye, Jitna Taan Satpal Hi Hai”.

HLP gets telephone as its election symbol

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            Newly formed political outfit in the state, Himachal Lokhit Party has been allotted Telephone as its election symbol for the forthcoming assembly elections. In the 1998, Himachal Vikas Congress, under the leadership of Pandit Sukh Ram, remained the government makers with 5 seats in the assembly. Both the BJP and the Congress won 31 seats each in the 68 seat HP legislative assembly. The Himachal Vikas Congress joined hands with the BJP and formed the government. The important point is that during those times, telephone was the election symbol the Himachal Vikas Congress.

With Maheshwar Singh led HLP having been allotted telephone as its election symbol, speculations have begun that the HLP will play a king-maker in the coming assembly elections like 1998. The party workers have accelerated the election campaigning after the allotment of the party symbol. As per party sources, the election canvassing material like banners, posters and pamphlets are ready, only the party symbol is to be printed.

It would now be interesting to see that whether the telephone is able to establish a communication channel between the party candidates and the voters leading them to the assembly or the lines remain dead ensuring loss.

Congress questions land purchase by Prashant Bhushan in the state

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            The opposition congress has demanded an enquiry into the land allotment to Indian against Corruption activist Prashan Bhushan in the state. Congress party has alleged that the BJP government in the state has allotted tea-gardens in Palampur to Prashan Bhushan by keeping the Constitutional provisions and Administrative formalities at stake.

Ex-cabinet minister and senior congress leader Harsh Mahajan said, “We want an independent probe into the land allotment made to Prashan Bhushan in the year 2010”. Mahajan asked the Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan to clarify his motive behind buying land in the state.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the land in the state is limited and no outsider can purchase land in the state without appropriate permission from the authorities. Mahajan asked, “The state government should clarify the stance as to why it was necessary for it to allot land to Bhushan under special provisions?” A senior government official told that land was allotted top Prashan run Kumud Bhushan Educational Society on 2^nd February 2010 to establish an educational institution on 4.68 acres of land.

CM Dhumal dares Virbhadra for debate on development statistics

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            The CM of HP Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal has dared PCC Chief Virbhadra Singh to have a public debate with him on the developmental statistics of the state. He said that neither does the congress have faith on its own self nor on the residents of the state. He said that the Virbhadra’s allegations on the wrong functioning of state’s bureaucracy and officials were baseless. The state officials were unbiased and dedicated while discharging their duties.

CM Dhumal said that Virbhadra is not able to digest the development works undertaken by the BJP government in its 4 ½ year tenure. He said that the government had started a moment to prevent the degradation of environment by providing ration in eco-friendly bags, but the congress was so uneasy with this public welfare move that it got the distribution of the bags banned by requesting the election commission.

He said that the distribution of eco-friendly bags was banned by the election commission in view of model code of conduct whereas the hoardings with the photos of Dr. Manmohan Singh & Mrs. Sonia Gandhi had been put up on the sides of various roads in the state. He said that they would soon complain to the election commission in this regard.

Amitabh Awasthi apponited new Director Tourism

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            Addressing the complaints raised by PCC President, Virbhadra Singh, the state government has relieved Shimla Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arun Sharma of his addistion responsibility of Director, Tourism. Mr. Amitabh Awasthi has been appointed as the new Director, Tourism. Mr. Amandeep Garg has been appointed as new DC Kullu replacing Mr. R. N. Batta. Virbhadra Singh has raised various allegations against the state government of appointing its favorite officers on prominent posts.

State Chief Secretary, Mr. Sudripta Roy has prepared a detailed reply to these allegations. This reply has been forwarded to Chief Election Commission of India through State Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Narinder Chauhan.

Virbhadra Singh had alleged that Arun Sharma had been appointed Director Tourism owning to his loyality towards CM Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal. State Chief Secretary has replied saying that though Mr. Arun Sharma had previously worked as the Chief Personal Secretary to CM Dhumal for many years, but he had held the position of Joint Secretary in CM office for 14 months during Virbhadra regime as well.

State chief secretary said that it will impossible for them to shift the deputy commissioners of various districts owing to the baseless unauthentic allegations of any political leader. PCC president has also alleged that Chamba DC Sunil Chaudhary has been given good posting. Replying to this allegation Chief Secretary said that he had no scale to measure and decide as to which posting was good and which was bad.

What did Virbhadra get for Himachal, asks Prof. Dhumal

CM Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that during the election campaign in the state, Virbhadra Singh will have to answer what he brought for the state during his tenure as the Union Minster of Steel and then Union Minister of Medium & Small Scale Entreprises. Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Prof. Dhumal said that instead of helping the state, Virbhadra and Union Minister of Commerce, Anand Sharma tried to insert hurdle in the allotment of various projects to the state. The Hydro engineering college in Bilaspur was not allowed to be sanctioned for the state because Anand Sharma and Virbhadra Singh didn’t allow this to happen.

He said that if these two Union Ministers would have insisted, the central government wouldn’t have reduced the duration of special package for the state. He expressed shock on the fact that Virbhadra Singh is publicizing the Atal Uniform Scheme to be centre funded scheme whereas the scheme has been totally funded by the state government.

He said that if Atal Uniform Scheme is centre-funded then other congress ruled states like Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have not got this scheme implemented? He said that the Union Government has always shown biased behaviour towards Himachal Pradesh. The central government has shown no concern for the Bhanupali- Barmana- Manali- Kelong- Leh railway line which is of strategic importance from the defense & security point of view. The people of Himachal will give a strong reply to the congress for its anti-public policies.

Municipal Corporation Shimla exchequer empty

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            The empty exchequer of Municipal Corporation Shimla has left the MC officials in a dilemma. The officials are unable to decide that how they would be able to initiate development works in the city with zero balance in the corporation treasury. As per the information received from the corporation treasury, there is not even a single paisa in the corporation exchequer. The funds are totally nil.

The corporation is helpless to fulfill even the daily expenses due to deficiency of funds. The salary of the employees has been paid with difficulty whereas there is still no provision as to how the pensions of retired employees will be paid. There is a liability to the tune of Rs. 16 lacs which the corporation has to pay in the form of pensions.

The series of emergency meetings has already been started to device methods for creating funds immediately. The treasury officer has submitted his report about zero balance in the treasury to the higher authorities.

The main cause of zero balance in the treasury is relaxation in tax collection norms. As a result of amendment in the Corporation Act, the corporation is neither able to collect tax using old technique, nor is it able to devise a new technique for the same. Mayor Sanjay Chauhan said that he has not received any such report as of now, but would definitely take requisite measures if such a problem comes to his notice.

Himachal set to undergo green revolution

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

With the government of Himachal Pradesh signing a memorandum with the government of India and the World Bank for a loan of $ 100 Million, the state is ready to experience an incoming green revolution. A number of developmental schemes like watershed management, industries and tourism would benefit leading to the overall development of the state. The memorandum was signed by Mr. Sudripta Roy, Chief Secretary, Govt. of HP, Government of India represented by Joint Secretary for Economic Affairs, Mr. Prabodh Saxena, whereas the World Bank was represented by Mr. Rolland Lommey, World Bank Governance Advisor for India.

Mr. Lommey said that the World Bank is extending this loan to the govt. of HP with an aim to help the state make its ecology sustainable to the effects of industrialisation, reduce the ill effects modernisation and make new policies for exploiting natural resources.

He said the funds would also help the localites make proper utilisation of water flow, use of appropriate techniques industrial manufacturing and help them promote ecology sustaining tourism.

The state government has also launched community run program to control and maintain local water resources and water tables. According to this program, the local people will make their own plans and will get them implimented with government funding.

This huge amount of loan to the state is expected to boost the public welfare policies in their best forms.

Himachal ranked 4th in Finance Management

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            “Himachal Pradesh has been ranked 4^th best state in Finance Management by the Reserve Bank of India.” The words were said by CM, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal while addressing a press conference here in Shimla immediately after the Election Commission announced the dates of assembly polls. He said that Virbhadra Singh is trying to mislead the people by providing false and unauthentic data ignoring the loopholes in his own government from 2003-2007.

Prof. Dhumal said that Himachal Pradesh had the allocated budget of Rs. 10,300 crore for 2003-2007 five year plan, but Virbhadra Singh government could spend only Rs. 8493.90 crore. He said when congress came to power in the state in 2003, the plan size was reduced from Rs. 1840 crore to Rs. 1335 crore.

“The 20-point program was checked in yearly basis during the present BJP regime. It is a moment of proud for the state that we continued to remain on first position for three consecutive years for the implementation of 20-point program. Whatever promises were made to the people in the BJP election manifesto, the government has fulfilled more than them. BJP has won all by-elections in the past in all set to materialize Mission Repeat in the state.” He said.

Gutka, Tobacco products banned in Himachal

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

In an interaction with the mediapersons on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti in Shimla, Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said “Ban on the consumption of gutka and other chewable tobacco products will come into effect all over the state from today onwards. Any shopkeeper found sellings such products would be liable to be booked under legal provisions for the strict implementation of the ban.”

Following the decision, Himachal joins the club of Haryana, Punjab and other Indian states which have already banned the manufacturing and sale of gutka and other chewable tobacco products. He said the decision has been taken in public welfare and he expects the citizens of the state would help the government  in enforcing the ban effectively.

He said that the ban on polythene bags was successful because of the immense support received from common man in this regard. He said that the polythene ban was so successful that his Haryana counterpart, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda asked him the secret behind the success of the ban. He told Mr. Hooda to make the residents of Haryana understand the hazardous effects of polythene on the environment and thus motivate them to sun polythene usage.

Election Commission declares dates for HP Assembly polls

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            The voting for Himachal Pradesh assembly polls will take place on 4^th November 2012 whereas the counting of the votes will take place on 20^th December 2012. With addressing a press conference at Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Mr. V. S. Sampath made this announcement. The model code of conduct has come into effect in Himachal from 3^rd October 2012 onwards. The present Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha completes its tenure on 10^th January 2013.

He said that the notification in regard to the elections will be released on 10^th October 2012 where the last date for filling the nominations will be 17^th November 2012. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on 18^th October whereas the last date of withdrawing nominations will be 20^th October 2012. Voting for all the 68 assembly constituencies will take place on 4^th November whereas the counting of votes will be done on 20^th December 2012. The new state government is expected to be formed by 24^th December 2012.

Talking about some facts, Himachal Pradesh has a total of 45.16 Lac voters whereas; the polls will be conducted on 7252 polling booths.

In the present Vidhan Sabha, out of total 68 assembly seats, the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party has 41 seats, Indian National Congress has 23 seats while 4 seats are wrested by the Independent MLAs.

Congress decides 47 candidates, 21 still undecided

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            With the poll dates already declared by the election commission of India, the congress party is still remains undecided about the candidates to be fielded from 21 assembly segments in the forthcoming assembly polls. The candidates to be fielded from 47 seats have already been decided upon.

The congress party has decided to field following candidates from 47 constituencies of 12 disticts.

Shimla: PCC President Virbhadra Singh from Shimla (rural), Vidya Stokes from Theog Kumarsain, Nand Lal from Rampur, Mohan Lal Bragta from Rohru, Subhash Manglate from Chopal and Rohit Thakur from Jubbal-Kotkhai.

Kangra: G.S. Bali from Nagrota Bagwan, Ajay Mahajan from Nurpur, Neeraj Bharti from Jwali, Sujan Singh Pathania from Fatehpur, Nikhil Rajour from Jaswan Paragpur, Bajinder Rajan from Gangath, Surender Kaaku from Kangra, Kewal Singh Pathania from Shahpur, Jagjiwan Pal from Sulah, BBL Butail from Palampur, Yadwinder Goma from Jaisinghpur and Kishori lal from Baijnath.

Bilaspur: Rajesh Dharmani from Ghumarwin, Biru Ram Kishore from Jhanduta and Ram Lal Thakur from Shri Naina devi.

Una: Mukesh Agnihotri from Haroli, Rakesh Kalia from Gagret and Kuldeep Kumar from Chintpurni.

Kullu: Sunder Thakur from Kullu (Sadar), Bhuvnesh Gaud from Manali, Karan Singh from Banjar and Diwan Singh from Aani.

Chamba: Thakur Singh Bharmauri from Bharmaur, Kuldeep Pathania from Bhatiyaat, Surendra Bhardwaj from Churah and Asha Kumari from Dalhousie.

Hamirpur: Narendra Thaur from Hamirpur (Sadar), Anita Verma from Sujanpur and Sukhwinder Sukhu from Nadaun.

Solan: Vinod Sultanpuri from Kasauli, Ram Kumar from Doon and Lakhwinder Rana from Nalagarh.

Sirmaur: Kush Parmar from Nahan, Harshwardhan from Shilai and Gangu Ram Musafir from Pachhaad.

Mandi: Anil Sharma from Mandi (Sadar), Sohan Lal from Sundernagar, Mansa Ram from Karsog, Tara Thakur from Chachyot, Surender Pal from Jogindernagar, Tek Chand from Naachan, Rangila Ram Rao from Sarkaghat, Prakash Chaudhry from Balah and Kaul Singh Thakur from Dhrang.

Remaining 21 seats remain undecided as of now.

Centre for Gandhian Studies celebrates Internation Non-violence Day

Vishal Sharma, Campus Correspondent, HPU Shimla

            The Centre for Gandhian Studies, HP University, Shimla celebrated international Non-violence day on 2^nd October 2012 commemorating the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. A seminar was organized at HP University Business School, Shimla. Prof. ADN Bajpai, Vice-chancellor, HPU was the chief guest.

The event started with the University Kulgeet. Thereafter Prof. Suresh Kumar, Director, Centre for Gandhian Studies welcomed the chief guest by presenting him a shawl and a Himachali cap. A student gave a performance by playing Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram on his guitar.

Students from HP University threw light on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Non-cooperation movement, civil disobedience movement, his non-violent satyagrah and his work as an economist of modern times.

While addressing the gathering, Prof. Bajpai said that the students should relive the teachings of Gandhiji and try to imbibe them in their lifestyle. He said that the corruption at all levels in the country would lead to mass destruction which can only be prevented if we start taking preventive measures from now onwards. He said that the HPU lies within his administrative reigns so he had tried his best to imbibe gandhian culture in the best form in the university set-up.

Thanking Prof. Bajpai for his gracious presence, Prof. Suresh Kumar said that he would leave no stone unturned to take the Centre of Studies to new heights. It is worth mentioning that Prof. Suresh Kumar, Director of Centre for Gandhian Studies, is the senior most professor of HPU. He is also the member of various national councils like UPSC, UGC, AICTE etc.

Directors and heads of various departments along with students were present in the seminar.