The MP on the fast track

PROMISED GALORE: Promised to promote cricket in the state,bring the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala on the international map,boost tourism,start Jan Shatabadi from Una to Delhi,getting industrial package enhanced and bringing industrial units for generation of employment,get one rank,one pension formula for the ex-servicemen,strengthening the national highways and state highways apart from improving the link roads and give fillip to higher education.

WHAT HE DELIVERED: The HPCA stadium at Dharamshala was one of the venues for the Indian Premier League matches before it was shifted to South Africa,three multi-purpose stadiums are being built at Una,Nadaun and Bilaspur,Jan Shatabadi was started from Una to Delhi with the help of Union government,he also claims to have paid an instrumental role in getting Rs 65 crore for improving the national highways in his constituency,the entire MPLAD fund was used.

Where he failed: He could not attract big industrial units to his constituency,his efforts to pursue the entrepreneurs could not bear fruits. Most towns including Chintpurni and Jawalamukhi lack basic civic amenities. Despite claims of availability of funds,the condition of link roads in the interiors have not improved.

ATTENDANCE IN LOK SABHA: Above 90 per cent

NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ASKED OR ISSUES TAKEN UP: He asked more that 40 starred and unstarred questions,raised issue of extension of the industrial package,allocation for funds for raising the infrastructure and one rank,one pension,internal security,terrorism,advocated mandatory military training for the youth below 30 years to combat the growing menace of terrorism.

OPINIONS: “He has performed remarkably during his one year term. He is the only MP who has used the entire MPLAD fund. He interacts with the people frequently and addresses their grievances. The Jan Shatabadi is one of his main achievements and there is no parallel in promoting the cricket in the state,’’ says Somnath Sharma of Hamirpur,a doctor by profession.

“In one year term Anurag Thakur had tried to give his best. He has done a good job to promote cricket but has forgotten the farmers. He should have taken care of the rural population,’’ says Kamlesh Kumar,a farmer who worked in the Education Department earlier.

Votes secured by top three candidates in 2008 by-polls

Anurag Thakur (BJP): 3,74339

O P Rattan (Cong): 1,99673

Ami Chand ( Independent): 6,484