3 min readShimlaAug 9, 2015 10:09 AM IST
First published on: Aug 9, 2015 at 10:09 AM IST
Acharya Dev Vrat will replace Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, who holds additional charge of Himachal.
Himachal Pradesh Governor-designate Acharya Dev Vrat on Saturday said the political rivalry between Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal should not be allowed to affect the state’s development and governance.
Vrat said that once he takes charge at Raj Bhawan, he would try to narrow down differences between the two important leaders of the state, currently locked in a bitter battle. No date has been fixed yet for his swearing-in-ceremony, he said.
“Himachal Pradesh lives in my heart. There is not a single year in which I haven’t visit Himachal or some of its interior areas. I am fond of the state because of its natural beauty, climate and simplicity of the people. I have close ties with families of my students, who had studied at Gurukul in Kurukshetra,” he told The Sunday Express over the phone.
“I am delighted to be named Governor of Himachal Pradesh by the NDA government and my leadership (BJP). It’s a huge duty put on my shoulders which I will try to discharge to the best of my capacity,” he said .
Asked about his views on Himachal’s development scenario, Vrat said, “It’s one of country’s best rated states, having a good model of development. It’s also a peaceful state in the lap of nature. Lakhs of people come to visit the state, known for being home to hospitable people. I will ensure that its development is not hit in any manner, in fact I could contribute to it effectively by involving all sections.”
Vrat said some of the areas of focus in Himachal Pradesh would be to oversee its progress in the field of education, infrastructure development, industry, tourism, horticulture and above all maintaining a balance between the ecology and new development initiatives.
He said, “As I am myself committed to environment protection and natural resources , I will try to guide the government and people to remain committed to the conservation measures.”
Asked how he views the political rivalry between the CM and Dhumal, the Governor designate said, “As I know Himachal Pradesh and its politics, I am sure that this can be put to an end so that state progresses well. There can be political differences but these should not overtake larger interests of the state or turn into a battle of families.”
An academic by background, 56-year-old Vrat is principal of Gurukul at Kurukshetra and an RSS ideologue. He had been closely associated with Yoga Guru Ramdev and had taught yoga to youths for several years. He is also an alumnus of Panjab University and has authored several books.
He will replace Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, who had been holding additional charge of the state.
Acharya Dev Vrat will replace Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, who holds additional charge of Himachal.
Share
