Cong, BJP disagree over steel plant at Nahan

Congress and BJP MLAs in the township have taken opposing stands regarding the setting up of a SAIL plant in Sirmour district.

The four Congress MLAs from the area have decided to fight for the steel plant. But Sukh Ram Chaudhary, the lone BJP MLA from Paonta Sahib, has called their move a political stunt.

He said that such 15 steel plants had been established in Sirmour district, but the Himachalis were not provided jobs there. Chaudhary said it was wrong to claim that the plant would benefit Himachalis in any way. He stressed that whether the steel plant was set up in Sirmour district or elsewhere in Himachal would not effect anyone.

On the other hand, former Speaker of Himachal Vidhan Sabha and Pachhad MLA GR Musafir said the UPA government had approved the steel plant for Sirmour district in order to benefit it. He said it was unfortunate that the state government was not keen on setting up the plant here.

District Congress Committee (DCC) president and MLA from Shillai Assembly constituency Harsh Wardhan Chauhan said he would join the demand for the establishment of the steel plant in Sirmour district. He said the Congress would launch an agitation if the plant is shifted to Kangra district.

Congress MLA from Renuka Dr Prem Singh asserted that all political parties must join hands for the development of Sirmour district. He urged for a proper dialogue between the political parties on the issue to ensure the development of the area.