Himachal CM rules out possibility of early elections

Virbhadra Singh also stressed on early forest clearance for construction of roads to better connectivity.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh ruled out possibility of early elections in Himachal Pradesh, saying it was wishful thinking of BJP leaders, "who are yet to reconcile with the fact that people have voted the party out of power".

"The Congress government is solid like a rock. It would complete its full term and return to power in the next assembly polls," he said.

Those hoping for early elections are unnerved by the unprecedented development of the state during the Congress regime, Singh said.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Parivartan Rally" at Mandi on October 18, he said, "Hopes of BJP leaders that the rally would boost electoral prospects of the party are misplaced because such rallies are being organised in the state by Congress at regular intervals."

"The government would not submit any demand charter to the PM. But I will attend the inauguration of the 800 MW Koldam, 412 MW Rampur and 537 MW Parwati Stage III hydropower projects in Mandi," he said.

Stressing on expansion of the rail network in the state, the CM said the Bhanupali-Bilaspur Railway line should be extended to Mandi and further to Manali and Leh as it was strategic from the defence point of view.

The Amb Railway line can also be extended upto Hamirpur and linked to Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line, he added.

Singh also stressed on early forest clearance for construction of roads to better connectivity.

Singh also assured that adequate security would be provided for the India-New Zealand cricket match at Dharamsala on October 16.