CM expresses concern over misuse of deities

Dharamshala, Oct 16 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today expressed concern over the increasing misuse of local deities by certain vested interests to halt development process in the state.

''I hold the devtas in high esteem as a devotee, but will maintain the dignity of the office of the Chief Minister and not go to the local devta of Kinnaur for seeking its permission for the construction of the 1,000 MW Karchham-Wangtoo hydel power project in the district,'' he said at a press conference here.

Mr Singh said the people had immense faith in local deities but the temple committee of that area had been hijacked by BJP supporters, adding that he knew the epicentre of the trouble.

Earlier also, the BJP leaders had roped in devatas to stall the Himalayan Ski Village project in Kullu district if the state before everything settled down, he said.

He said allegations of corruption and misuse of position against Food and Civil Supplies Minister Singhi Ram would be examined, adding that action would only be taken if concrete documentary evidence was available.

However, no person, irrespective of his position would be spared if found guilty, he said.

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