Dharamshala, April 28
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said the Indian National Congress could announce candidates for the upcoming municipal corporation elections at any time. Speaking to mediapersons outside the Circuit House in Dharamshala during his Kangra visit, Sukhu said applications from aspirants will be submitted by Tuesday, following which the state Congress president will review them and declare the candidates. He added that preference will be given to young faces, and party workers will be involved in the selection process.
On the issue raised by taxi operators regarding the Automated Testing Station system, the Chief Minister said the Government of India has mandated that all vehicle passing will come under ATS through the vehicle portal. He said the state has conveyed that people are not yet ready for the system and noted that the earlier exemption provision has now been withdrawn.
Responding to a query on tenders issued during the Model Code of Conduct, Sukhu said that any such tenders issued by municipal bodies will have to be put on hold.
Highlighting development priorities, he said the expansion of the Kangra airport is a major step for boosting tourism in the region, with an estimated investment of around Rs 3,500 crore. He added that he has personally taken an interest in expediting the project.
The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP-led central government is creating financial constraints for the state, but said the Himachal Pradesh government has mobilised its own resources to manage funds.
He further said that an international-level convention centre will be developed near Tapovan following the airport expansion.
On organisational matters, Sukhu said training for Congress district presidents is underway in Kangra to strengthen the party and counter the RSS’s ideology. He added that Rahul Gandhi is expected to attend the training camp, while a final decision on the state Congress president is yet to be taken.
