Industries Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri, who shared the dais with the Chief Minister was addressing a massive public meeting at Gagret today blamed the NDA government for withholding the funds for Rs 922 crore, swan river channelization. He said that the state BJP leaders thought as boasting of development and welfare of the people when they will come to power, but since last five years they could not initiate the issue with Central government for releasing funds for swan river channelization.He said that the state BJP leaders were issuing statements that they would particularly target Gagret and Haroli in Assembly elections on which the Minister cautioned them to keep their hands away from the people’s power as they would be clean bowled from the constituencies they were talking about. They should realize that the people of the area were aware that much development had been done by the Congress government. He said that BJP leaders claim that drug mafia was prevalent in the state, but I would like to tell them that such people were in BJP as evident from the sweep Congress made in neighbouring state adding that they have no other issue to debate upon, as much development had been witnessed in Una district during the present government regime.
The Minister said that the BJP was divided on ticket for Assembly elections from Gagret and Haroli and the time will tell who wins or losses.He questioned that now when Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda was the Union Health Minister, why the setting up of AIMMS in Himachal was being delayed. The Minister said that the BJP was doing politics on Central University, thus hindering the development works. Shri Mukesh Agnihotri said that as many 43 thousand jobs were given in government sector alone during the last four years and more 19000 jobs had been promised. He said that the honorarium of Asha workers had been enhanced to Rs. 1000, that of Aanganwadi workers to Rs.1450 and also enhanced the social security pension from Rs650 to Rs 700. Besides, 50 percent subsidy would be given to those who want to set up tube-wells on their land.He said that the BJP has no agenda to contest and they were just airing rumours to be in limelight.