Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 14
Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh will be held as per scheduled, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said on Tuesday, rejecting opposition claims of a possible delay. Speaking at the inauguration of a four-day exhibition in Shimla to mark International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the minister accused the opposition of creating unnecessary political controversy. “The government has already made it clear that Panchayati Raj elections will be conducted on time. There is no mention of postponing the polls in the notification issued by the Disaster Authority,” he said.
“The opposition has no real issue or work. Since they have nothing else to do, they are misleading people with baseless statements,” he further added. The exhibition, organised to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness, comes amid growing concerns over frequent natural calamities in the state in recent years. He further said the government’s top priority during any disaster is saving lives, adding that community awareness is essential to minimise damage.
