Cong not a divided house in Haryana: Hooda

Ludhiana, Nov 13 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today made it clear that Congress in Haryana was not a divided house and it would sweep the next assembly elections in the state.

The Chief Minister stated this while replying to the questions of media persons after presiding over a function organised here on the eve of 118th birthday of former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru by the Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust.

When Mr Hooda's attention was drawn towards the dissidents in the party, he pointed out that not any individual, but the party was important and above everyone.

In reply to another question regarding the construction of Bhakra Main Line Hansi-Butana Multipurpose Link Canal in the state, Mr Hooda said that Haryana had been constructing the canal to ensure equitable distribution of its own share of water.

He made it clear that there was no question of utilising Punjab's share of water by Haryana.

Regarding formation of a separate Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee in Haryana, Mr Hooda said the report of the committee headed by Agriculture Minister H S Chatha was awaited. Any decision in this regard would be taken keeping in view the sentiments of the Sikhs of Haryana.

To a question, he said there was no such opposition in the state on the setting up of special economic zones as these SEZs would pave way for development.

Later addressing the members of the District Bar Association, Ludhiana, the Chief Minister said both Punjab and Haryana, who were like brothers, could make much headway in development if they acted unitedly without any controversy. However, he pointed out that there were certain elements who were raising issues for their vested interests.

However, he said the issues were also being resolved.

He announced to give Rs Five lakh for the purchase of books for the library of the District Bar Association and urged them to charge less from the poor.

Agriculture Minister H S Chatha, who was accompanying the Chief Minister, said Mr Hooda had created an environment for faster pace of development in Haryana.

He said in case India got five Chief Ministers like Mr Hooda is, the scenario of development in the country would change.

UNI