TNR Interview (S Gopal Puri)
Himachal Pradesh PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh has said that exemption granted under Section 118 of the land ceiling act to the Radha Saomi hospital at Bhota in Hamirpur was an exemption.
In an exclusive interview with The Newz Radar Political Editor S Gopal Puri, Vikramaditya says come what may, he won’t allow any compromise with the interests of Himachal Pradesh.
Question: Your father late Virbhadra Singh nurtured the Congress for decades in Himachal? Your family has a good following in all constituencies across the state? Seeing the present state of affairs of the Congress, how have you thought you will serve your followers?
Answer: Everything is well within the Congress and our party is ruling Himachal. And it’s a consensus government. The government has been formed by our supporters and workers and it’s our duty to serve them. We have to take the government and the party forward in a unified way. I have conveyed this time and again to the Chief Minister as well as the party president…. There may be some differences, but public welfare and party discipline are paramount.
Question: A large number of people associated with your father. What will be your efforts to keep them within the Congress, else they could even desert the party?
Answer: We are trying to stay connected with all people and making attempts to live up to their expectations. As much possible, we are getting their works done. We have a long way to go. We will not only nurture our followers, but extend our family further. We will replicate the good examples set by Virbhadra Singhji.
Question: You have a different style of politics. Your post on the land ceiling Act amendment, which mentions “won’t compromise with Himachal’s interests”, is going viral on social media. Doesn’t it portray protest?
Answer: This exemption in the land ceiling act is only for the Bhota Radha Saomi hospital. Otherwise, our stand is very clear that we won’t compromise with the interests of Himachal. Won’t allow the dilution of Section 118 at any cost. We supported this case only because local people were benefitting due to free treatment.
Question: Several leaders whom your father had inducted into the Congress, including former minister Sudhir Sharma, have left the Congress. How difficult is it for you to keep your flock together in the Congress during the present circumstances.
Answer: I may belong to Shimla, but entire Himachal is dear to me. And I will continue to live with this belief. ‘Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram’ politics is of no good. Our aim should only be to serve the people. We have to make a roadmap of development, and that’s our primary aim in politics.
