Vidhan Sabha session at Gairsain inching closer, some Congress leaders, particularly, Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal are sounding sentimental. Giving the issue a emotive push, former Congress MP Pradeep Tamta demanded on Monday that Gairsain be declared as the permanent capital of Uttarakahnd without the delay. Readily seizing the opportunity proffered by the MP, Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who is known for his uncanny ability to turn things in his favour, said he would convene all-party meeting to discuss the matter. “But patience is the need of the hour,” he stressed in the same breath.
Tamta said that the State Government’s declaration of making Gairsain as summer capital would not serve any purpose. “They should rather go the whole hog of declaring Gairsain as the full-fledged Capital of the State. Besides, the announcement should be made soon. There is no time for dilly-dallying. We should not lose sight of the fact that Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh to ensure overall development of this hilly region. Thus, it is in the fitness of things that Gairsain is declared as the permanent capital of the State,” he said.
Commenting on Tamta’s demand, CM Rawat said that the view might be the ex- MP’s personal opinion. “However, such monumental things take time to come to fruition. Being the son of a farmer, Tamta must know that the land must be softened enough before seeds are sown. It consumes time too for the crops thus grown to be harvested. The point is that Gairsain cannot be made the capital overnight. Several ground works need to be done. Currently, we have made a road –map and the officials are working on it. There are several issues like electricity and water. Constructions of Vidhan Sabha building and hostels are underway now. Those pitching for it must keep patience. We should go step by step, building things brick by brick. However, if all the political parties are ready for it there is no problem left to implement the unanimous decision,” CM said.
While reiterating his stance that Gairsain should be declared as the capital of Uttarakhand, Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal asked for patience too. “Such a momentous thing cannot come up overnight. laying down the infrastructure takes time. We hope things are moving fast towards the consummation devoutly wished for,” he added.
Talking to the media persons, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Indira Hridayesh said the emotive issue should not be reduced to a political one. “Things are clear, given the recommendation of the commission. There is no room for maneuvering and bickering. A practical approach taking all aspects on board would serve the cause better than the politicians resorting to rabble-rousing to win brownie points,” she averred.