PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Haldwani
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that Uttarakhand and its sanctity must be protected. Stressing that those who settle here illegally must face legal action, he appreciated the anti-encroachment efforts of the State government under chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He was speaking at a public gathering in Haldwani on Saturday.
Stating that the CM should be called “Dhurandar Dhami”, the Defence minister said that his four-year term so far has been historic. “He hit a boundary in four years and will also hit a sixer in six years,” Singh said.
Expressing concern at the situation in West Asia, he said that the world is presently moving through a phase of uncertainty which can affect all nations. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is in a safe and balanced position so far. He further said that resolving a war is possible only through dialogue and diplomacy, adding that the global community is listening to India seriously.
Referring to development works, he said that there was talk of scarce resources in the initial years after formation of Uttarakhkand but now the State is swiftly progressing on the development path. Terming the Char Dham all-weather road very important for the Yatra, the Defence minister said that this road will make the pilgrimage safer and convenient while also giving a new direction to the State’s economy. Referring to Uttarakhand as Devbhumi, Tapobhumi and Veerbhumi, he said that the State government had taken various steps for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.Special focus has also been laid on the development of border areas, he said. “Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code is a bold and farsighted decision which will strengthen social harmony. The action taken against encroachment is also appreciable with a large number of encroachments being removed so far by the government,” Singh said.
Stating that development of the Kumaon region is important for the State, he said that the Jamrani dam project is very important for the Haldwani and Terai region. The current government has lent speed to the execution of this project. Targeting the opposition, Singh said that scams used to be concealed in the past while strict action is being taken against corruption now. He expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will win the coming elections with two-third majority.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said that Congress’ policies were responsible for the demographic changes in Haldwani, adding that the State government had presented its stance strongly on the issue with positive results emerging. He stressed that attempts to bring about demographic changes will not be allowed to succeed in the State. Referring to his four years in office as an example of better management, he said that the State government had effective work on development, law and order and in bringing about transparency. The strict anti-copying law, Jamrani dam project and action against encroachments are among the achievements of the government, he said. Accusing the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics, Dhami said that the present government is moving forward towards balanced and systematic development in Uttarakhand. BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt, Union minister of State Ajay Tamta, MP Ajay Bhatt, cabinet ministers and MLAs were also among those present on the occasion.
