Vidya for naming Dharamshala Himachal's winter capital

Una, Feb 10 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Congress Legislative Party leader and leader of the opposition in the Assembly Vidya Stokes today favoured Dharamshala being named the state's winter capital and said the party had already created the necessary infrastructure.

Addressing mediapersons here, she said since the previous Congress Government had already created permanent necessary infrastructure, the party would favour naming Dharamshala the state's winter capital.

Ms Stokes said this would be a welcome decision after the previous Virbhadra Singh Government had decided to hold the winter session of the Assembly there.

Observing that the Congress would play a constructive role of the opposition, she said besides pointing out the weaknesses of the government it would also do its best to prevent it from taking anti-people decisions.

The Congress would wait for about six months to analyse the working of the state government, she added.

Replying to a question, the Congress leader said it was too early to comment on the performance of the present BJP government, but welcomed decisions like hike in daily wages and social security pensions besides announcement of 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Reacting to a question on the possible role of the ''third front'' in the Congress' defeat in the recently concluded assembly elections, Ms Stokes admitted that the Congress was put on the back foot in a number of places and especially in Kangra district.

She said the BSP candidates had secured about 2,000 votes in a number of constituencies, which went against the Congress candidates.

''Mayawati has a different style of politics and I will not comment on it,'' she added.

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