Viplove promises to raise Himachal issues in Rajya Sabha

Shimla, Mar 21 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Viplove Thakur today promised to raise issues concerning the state in the Rajya Sabha, while promising to maintain close relationship with party workers.

''My nomination to Rajya Sabha from Himachal was an honour to every party worker of the state. I will do my best to come up to the expectations of the party and the people,'' she said at a press conference here.

Ms Thakur was yesterday declared elected to the Upper House of Parliament from Himachal after the expiry of deadline for withdrawal of candidature at 1500 hrs as the BJP had not fielded any candidate.

Replying to a question, she said several ministers had submitted details of their assets to the state party, while the remaining would do so in due course as there was no deadline as such.

The HPCC President said she would do her best for solving the problem of the Pong Dam oustees who had not been rehabilitated even after several decades.

Denying that her election to the Rajya Sabha would adversely affect her functioning, Ms Thakur said she would concentrate on party affairs in the state.

She said Anand Sharma's induction as Minister of state for External Affiars in the Union Ministry was an honour for the state and he would be accorded befitting reception whenever he visited the state.

Referring to news reports in a section of the press, she said it was the prerogative of the chief minister and that she had nothing to do with it.

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