Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday dismissed speculation about early Lok Sabha elections. “There is no such possibility. Elections will be held at stipulated time only,” he told mediapersons.
Asked if the farm-loan waiver in the Union Budget was made keeping the polls in mind, Singh said, it was a decision taken keeping in mind the plight of poor peasants.
Asked about the Mayawati Government favouring smaller states to be carved out of Uttar Pradesh, the PM said: “Let the UP Government initiate the first step on creation of smaller states like Purvanchal. The Centre is ready.”
Replying to a question, Singh said the responsibility of implementing Central schemes lay with the state governments and and it was not proper to blame the Centre for their improper operationalisation. To a query on the implementation of various development schemes of the Central Government in UP, he said “the status is not satisfactory”.
Earlier, accompanied by wife Gurusharan Kaur, Singh arrived at Dashwashamedh Ghat — a bulletproof enclosure was set up for them near the river. Held spellbound by the spectacle that has charmed countless travellers, the PM extended his stay at the ghat from 25 to 50 minutes. “Performing the Ganga pujan at the riverside would have been ideal, but security concerns have to be kept in mind,” said Chandramauli Upadhayaya, the priest who performed the puja.
Before the aarti began, the organisers met the PM and urged him to declare Varanasi a heritage city. The aarti concluded with the rendition of Shiva Tandava — a 17 slokha praise of Lord Shiva.
Later, accompanied by UP Governor TV Rajeswar and BHU Chancellor Karan Singh, he visited the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he is to be honoured with Degree of Doctor of Letters tomorrow. He later offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The PM had arrived by a special IAF flight at the Varanasi airport, where he was welcomed by Chief Minister Mayawati.
