Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said that Sitargunj MLA Kiran Mandal had set a fine example of sacrifice by resigning from his seat. Describing it one of its kind in Indian history, he said that it was perhaps the first time that any MLA had sacrificed his Assembly seat for the sake of the development of his constituency and its people.
Addressing the public rally at Sitargunj on Sunday, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna recalled that Bengalis had made great sacrifices during freedom struggle and were committed towards the development of their areas. Stating that the State Government was committed towards the development, he said that the Sitargunj area would be developed as per the sentiments and vision of Kiran Mandal. He said that the area was a Mini India where Bengali community resided along with other communities.
Chief Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 4 crore 12 lakh 36 thousand for Sitargunj constituency that included constructions of class rooms, art and craft room and toilet of Government Higher Secondary School Ramnagat, Jaspur; strengthening of poultry farm in Rudrapur and construction of two godowns at Sitargunj with the capacity of 2000 MT. Chief Minister also inaugurated the building of new Excise Office building at collectorate premises. He announced Rs. 2 crore for the development works in Sitargunj, Shaktifarm and other projects.
Chief Minister Bahuguna also announced Rs. 10 crore for flood prevention projects. Observing that Sitargunj was an industrial area and flood prone, he said that all possible preventive measures would be taken to save the area from flood. He also announced Rs. 58 crore for construction of 23 km long road under ADB. He also indicated establishing Polytechnic on the demand of minorities of the area. Besides, Mr. Bahuguna said that a degree college at Sitargunj would be opened. The other soaps announced by the Chief Minister included upgradation of 30-Bed hospital, modernization of Primary Health Centre, filling up of vacant posts of doctors, extension of medical facilities, Bus terminus at Sitargunj, establishment of high-tech and modern library. On the demand made by MP KC Singh Baba he also announced construction of two bridges over a dry river and sports stadium at Sitargunj. Responding to the demand of Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya, he announced Rs. 10 lakh for the beautification of Durga Mandir premises at Ravindranagar Shaktifarm.
Chief Minister Bahuguna underlining the due payment of sugarcane farmers announced Rs 40 crore for the same. He said that the State Government was trying to look for financial resources. He said that even if the government had to amend the rules for the development works it would do so as they were not above the public interest.
Chief Minister Bahuguna announced Rs. 1 lakh each for the persons who died in Pantnagar Gas incident and Rs. 25, 000 each for injured. He said that a Magisterial probe had been ordered into the incident. Stating that the state was reeling under the shortage of power supply, he assured the people to purchase power from Himachal Pradesh and relieved them of power cuts in coming 15 days.
Chief Minister also made an appeal to the saint community not to oppose hydro-power projects and contribute in development of the state.
Earlier Chief Minister Bahuguna was accorded warm welcome by the people of Sitargunj and presented Silver statues of Goddess Durga and Subhash Chandra Bose by the members of Bengali community, while, Muslim community presented him the cap and Chaddar. Kiran Mandal presented Charter of Demand relating to the development of the area which he immediately accepted.
Also present on the occasion were Cabinet Ministers Indira Hridayesh, Harsih Chandra Durgapal, Mantri Prasad Naithani, Chairman Mandi Parishad Dr. Shailendra Mohan Singhal, fomer Minister Tilakraj Behad, CM's wife Mrs. Sudha Bahuguna, Ajay Jaiswal, Narayan Pal, Sangita Kaur and Sandhya Dalakoti.