CM accuses BJP of dividing people on religion and caste

Shimla, May 17 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today accused the BJP of playing with the sentiments of the people by dividing them in the name of religion, caste and region to return to power in the state.

Addressing election meetings in favour of Congress candidate Ram Lal Thakur in Bilaspur district of the state, he said the BJP has always been blackmailing people emotionally and dividing them in the name of religion and caste.

He said the Congress was always against such forces and ideology that do little to strengthen the party but try to disintegrate the nation.

Since the people of the state were God fearing, peace loving, honest and hard working, the BJP was exploiting their religious sentiments for gaining political mileage, he said.

He said now the people have seen their real face and would not be mislead by them no more.

Former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had failed to give any direction and vision to the state during his five years in office, he said.

The Chief Minister said the state Congress Government had formulated Bamsan-Lagwalti Lift Water Supply Scheme of Rs 67.47 crore, the biggest rural water supply scheme of the state for mr Dhumal's assembly segment at Bamsan and I.D Dhiman's Mewa assembly segment.

The setting up of a Government Degree College at Jhanduta has fulfilled the long pending demand of the residents of Geharwin, he said.

He said the construction on Babkhal and Bairi Darola bridges in the assembly segment was in progress, which would reduce the distance between the district headquarter and Geharwin by several kms.

UNI