NDA to form next Central government, says Dhumal

Una, Feb 16 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by BJP will form the next government at the central after the 2009 general elections.

Addressing party workers of Una district at a function here, he said the party was well on its way to form the next government at the Centre after registering victories in Punjab and Himachal recently.

Mr Dhumal said the people of the country would have to apply their mind and reject the UPA and bring the NDA back to power under the leadership of Mr L K Advani, who has been declared the party's prime ministerial candidate.

The BJP had governments in six states and was in power in alliance with other parties in other states, indicating that the party was emerging as a leading force in the country, he said.

Referring to the rising number of unemployed in the state, he said the government would make all concerted efforts to provide employment in agriculture and horticulture sectors by diversifying traditional farming system.

The Chief Minister said 5,000 women workers were likely to be given employment under ''Asha'' programme to educate rural masses about their health-related duties.

Besides, the Centre has also agreed to set up Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), which would provide employment to 1,000 youth, while the process to recruit another 1,400 police personel was on, he added.

Mr Dhumal said Swan River Channelisation was also initiated by his previous state government with a view to save the fertile land of the farmers from soil erosion.

He said the government's effort had helped in recovering large chunks of agricultural land from the Swan River, which is also known as the river of sorrow.

Speaking on the occasion, state party president Jai Ram Thakur said the workers would have to re-dedicate themselves to ensure the party's victory in future elections.

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