A felicitation ceremony was organised at Rajiv Bhavan Shimla to celebrate the election of Congress leader Anurag Sharma as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Addressing party workers on the occasion, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, CM of Himachal Pradesh, said it was a proud moment for the party as a grassroots worker who rose through the organisation had been elected to Parliament.
The Chief Minister said the Congress high command had asked the state unit to recommend the names of four district presidents for the Rajya Sabha election. From these names, senior leader Rahul Gandhi selected Anurag Sharma.
Responding to comments made by BJP leaders regarding the election, Sukhu said there was no dissatisfaction among Congress leaders and that was why Anurag Sharma was elected unopposed. He remarked that in Parliament, BJP’s Anurag will face Congress’s Anurag, adding that Sharma is capable of presenting a strong voice.
Sukhu said that by giving a Rajya Sabha ticket to an ordinary party worker, Rahul Gandhi had sent a clear message that grassroots workers could also be considered for tickets in future Assembly elections, including members of the National Students’ Union of India and the Congress organisation.
Highlighting government initiatives, the Chief Minister said the state government plans to open 150 CBSE-based schools across Himachal Pradesh, including in backward areas, to improve the education system. He added that Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools were also being established and that the government aims to transform the state’s education system over the next five to six years.
He said strengthening the health sector was another priority, adding that modern technology similar to that available at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi would soon be introduced in health institutions across the state. High-end machines were also being installed in hospitals to provide advanced medical treatment within the state.
Sukhu further said that since about 90 per cent of the population of Himachal Pradesh lives in rural areas, the government was working to strengthen the rural economy. He also criticised the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government, alleging mismanagement of state finances and claiming that the current government inherited an empty treasury.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that a common Congress worker from the state had now reached Delhi as a Member of Parliament and would work to safeguard the interests of Himachal Pradesh.
In his address, Anurag Sharma thanked the Chief Minister and the Congress leadership for giving him the opportunity. He said being elected to the Rajya Sabha was a matter of great pride and assured that he would work to fulfil the expectations of the people of the state and promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Several organisations also honoured the Chief Minister and Anurag Sharma during the event. Among those present were Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs, former MLAs, party leaders and other dignitaries.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
