Better known for honesty and clean image not only in Uttarakhand, but also in the other parts of the country, Maj Gen (Retd) BC Khanduri is locked in a direct contest with Congress Rudraprayag MlA Dr Harak Singh Rawat in Garhwal parliamentary constituency. Claiming that he will comfortably win the seat as the electors have faced the wrath of anti-people policies and unscrupulous efforts by the Congress-led UPA for improving socio-economic status of the residents, Khanduri assured electors of his constituency that he will initiate dozens of beneficiary schemes and projects for the welfare of those villagers who are living in the fringe parts of the state and no stone would be left unturned for redressing their grievances at earliest. Pauri parliamentary constituency comprises of 14 Assembly constituencies which include Badrinath, Tharali, Karnprayag, Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Deoprayag, Narendranagar, Yamkeshwar, Pauri, Srinagar, Chaubattakhal, lansdowne Kotdwar and Ramnagar. Highly experienced and enjoying immaculate image among the public, Maj Gen Khanduri served as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand two times from 2007-09 and 2011-12. He was also a member of the 14th lok Sabha of India. He represented the Garhwal Parliamentary Constituency of Uttarakhand for four times in lok Sabha. Khanduri had not only shown patriotism during freedom struggle as a student but also displayed extraordinary contribution to the Indian Army. Khanduri was first elected to lok Sabha from Garhwal in Uttarakhand 1991 and in subsequent elections. He was the Minister of State (with independent charge) of the Road, Transport and Highways Ministry from 2000 to 2003 in the central government headed by the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was elevated to cabinet rank in 2003, and held the post until the end of the tenure of the NDA government in May 2004. Maj Gen Khanduri's chances of winning upcoming elections after former MP Satpal Maharaj joined the BJP, couple of days back have also increased several times thus made him sanguine on winning the elections.
Out of his rigorous and intense campaigning schedule in the tough hilly terrains of the state ahead of polling day, Maj Gen Khanduri talks to Himanshu Kumar lall. Excerpts:
How confident are you about your victoryIJ
Congress-led UPA and the State Government lack vision for development resulting in higher parts of the State lacking basic infrastructure. Both Governments have failed to introduce effective steps for pushing the country and State on the path of development during their respective tenures. It is a matter of grim concern that all those villagers who are living in the mountainous areas of the state are traversing several kilometers to fetch their basic needs despite the fact that more than one decade has passed since the formation of Uttarakhand.
Why do you think electors should vote for you or BJPIJ
Around 12 lakh voters will exercise their franchise in the next month. The BJP has become the only ray of hope for the voters as the party leaders are known for introducing beneficiary schemes for the upliftment of the weaker and other sections of the society. The Congress-led UPA was completely failed to keep a tab on rampant corruption and rise in the prices of essential commodities.
The defeat to Congress is ineluctable as it is the ramification of anti-people and insensitive approach of the Congress in the country.
You have been touring and campaigning in your constituency. Do you think that measures taken by the Government to rehabilitate disaster-hit victims and rebuilding infrastructure are enough after 2013 flash-floodIJ
The disaster that rocked Uttarakhand in the month of June, last year has had very devastating effects on the minds and hearts of villagers. The plight of the disaster-hit victims has increased several times as the Congress-led State Government has not done enough for redressing the grievances faced by them. Although natural disaster is always considered inevitable, the Government should know its job. The connecting routes and major roads along the Char Dham Yatra route are still in bad shape and the Congress-led State Government is yet to take steps for rebuilding infrastructure in the higher parts of the State.
How many ratings would you like to confer to the Congress-led State GovernmentIJ
It would be unwise if I give any ratings to the Congress-led State Government as the plight of the disaster hit victims is the same as it was to be nearly 10-month ago. The disaster has dented the image of Uttarakhand even on international platform. Since the Government was unable to launch timely rescue operation in the disaster-affected areas and the efforts were languid by the State Government, scores of pilgrims breathed their last waiting for rescue.
The Congress is facing the brunt of wrangling, and the change of chief minister just a couple of months before parliamentary election is not going to prove favourable for the Congress's candidates in the State. The crime graph is increasing besides, higher areas of the State lack basic medical and health facilities and villagers are facing the acute shortage of potable water in the higher reaches of the State. The State Government is busy quashing all beneficiary schemes and projects which were launched during BJP regime in the State and has also failed to attract foreign investment to the State.
Do you think that BJP can accomplish mission 272 plusIJ
The BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is enjoying impeccable and clean image not only in the length and breadth of country but also in other countries of the world.
The Gujarat model is gaining popularity and is in exigency across the country as everyone wants to see development and hoped for good governance and corruption free government. During his more than one-decade rule in Gujarat, the State has witnessed tremendous development in terms of infrastructure like rail, road, air etc., medical and administrative colleges, health and family welfare, agriculture etc. Curbing migration of unemployed youths from mountainous areas, good governance, tab on criminal activities, supply of potable water and providing medical and health facilities, rebuilding of damaged infrastructure etc. would be among the few priorities of the party, if the BJP is voted to power.