Claiming pro-incumbency mood among the people in favour of both the Modi government at the Centre and his government in the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat exuded confidence of winning all five seats. In an exclusive interview with Mukesh Ranjan, the Chief Minister listed the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his own government, while noting that a large number of personnel of armed forces have backed strong action against Pakistan.
Even as there are positive vibes in favour of the BJP among the people at large, a lot of them are also complaining about lack of employment opportunities in the state. What have you to say?
We are aware of the situation and making serious efforts to address the issue, which is not the formation of my government as it is a legacy which Uttarakhand inherited at the time of its birth. This is the reason why people migrated from the state to seek employment. But since I am the CM now, we decided to set up a commission on rural development and migration by roping in experts. The commission has submitted its report and we are taking steps one by one as suggested. We are working on the issue of strengthening road connectivity, as this is the most important factor affecting people in the hills. Then our emphasis is on health and education, besides giving support to women self-help groups.
In 2014, the BJP had won all five Lok Sabha seats and in 2017 people elected your government with a clear majority. What is your assessment this time when your party is posed with anti-incumbency factor both at the Centre and in the state?
Instead, we are witnessing pro-incumbency feeling among the people both in favour of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government in the state. We are delivering on our promises. In 2014, the BJP got about 55 per cent of votes, while the Congress received around 32 per cent and results are there in front of everybody. Incidentally, today we are placed even better. There is a certain undercurrent in favour of the BJP and people are more vocal this time around.
Since the party has denied ticket to the state’s two stalwarts — BC Khanduri and Bhagat Singh Koshiyari — don’t you think that the move will adversely impact the fortunes of BJP’s official candidates?
No, that is not the case. Rather, our two senior leaders themselves opted out of the elections. Khanduriji is not keeping well these days, still he has offered to come to party rallies. Koshiyariji is working wholeheartedly across the state.
BC Khanduri’s son Manish has joined the Congress and contesting the elections against the BJP candidate. What have you to say on this development?
First, I must tell you that everybody has the freedom to make their own choices. Manish has chosen the Congress and we respect his decision. This is the beauty of democracy. But this should not be linked with Khanduriji’s political choice, as he himself made it publicly clear that he was, is and will be with the BJP. As far as Manish is concerned, he never participated in political process in any form. Since the Congress was not finding a candidate in the Pauri Garhwal constituency, it chose to give ticket to Manish.
How have you been personally reaching out to the people?
Since I have become the CM of the state, I have attended over 700 reach out programmes with the people. Now since the all five seats in the state are going to polls on April 11, I am expecting to address more than 50 small and big campaign related meetings and rallies.
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2uPxmHV
via Today’s News Headlines
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