Himachal Pradesh won't change tradition, BJP will be voted out: Congress

The Congress on Wednesday took on Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur over his statement that Himachal Pradesh would this time change its riwaz (convention) of alternating between the BJP and Congress.

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Wednesday said the people were saying 'riwaz nahi raj badlega' (government will change, not convention) and that the BJP government will be voted out in the elections.

Himachal Pradesh has a history of alternating between the Congress and the BJP every assembly election since 1982.


CM Thakur had said the Congress may be banking on Himachal's 'riwaz' (convention) but people have made up their mind to break from tradition this time.

Responding to that Hooda said the ruling BJP's development claims in Himachal Pradesh were "hollow" and that people have made up their mind to bring the Congress back to power.

Hooda has been campaigning in Himachal's Kullu-Manali and Lahaul area ahead of the November 12 assembly polls.

"I interacted with a cross-section of people including shopkeepers, women and cultivators. Every section is unhappy with their policies," Hooda told PTI.

That PM Narendra Modi had to campaign in Chief Minister Jairam Thakur's home district Mandi indicates the government was "feeling shaky," he said.

Hooda said there burning were issues like unemployment, inflation, and the issues faced by apple growers.

He said the Old Pension Scheme, which the Congress has restored in the states ruled by the party, will be implemented on coming to power in Himachal.

"The Congress has promised Rs 1,500 per month to women aged between 18 and 60. Besides, our party has promised several initiatives for their empowerment," he said.
( With PTI inputs)