Khanduri ‘safe’,to concentrate on state admin

“We have been focusing on the development of the state and its people. It would not be wrong to say that over the last two years our hands were tied by repeated implementation of the election model code of conduct owing to a series of by-polls and other elections. Now we want to get back on the track towards implementing development oriented schemes,” said a visibly confident Khanduri.

He asserted that his focus is on ensuring a cohesive approach between the district level officials and state government to ensure that the beneficiaries of various schemes face no problems in getting their due. “We have to see that public welfare schemes do not get hampered. We have to put things into movement with complete efficiency,” said Khanduri.

This was the first major administrative event after the elections and the subsequent power struggle witnessed by the state between the camps led by Khanduri and his bete noire Bhagat Singh Koshiyari on the issue of leadership.

Following a complete rout in the Lok Sabha polls the BJP leadership has confessed that it was unable to communicate effectively with the voter on the achievements of the state government,an issue on which the party had campaigned. Observers felt that Khanduri wants to convey that he is development oriented and wants the benefits of various projects to reach he target group.

“Today’s meeting is focused on how to improve things,” he said while giving an example that although his government has increased the number of pension beneficiaries in the state,it has to be ensured that the pension does reach every beneficiary without any harassment to him or her.

When questioned on the continuing speculations on his future as the state Chief Minister,he replied in lighter vein,“You keep on enjoying the speculations.” On the issue of the Kapkot by-election,the polling for which takes place on Thursday,he said,“Every election is important for us and I am confident that we will win this one.”