Himachal Pradesh: Bhakra Dam oustees to attend PM Modi's rally
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi is visiting Himachal Pradesh to kickstart BJP's campaign in the poll-bound state with a rally at Bilaspur's Luhnu ground. BJP deployed 60 private boats to ferry Bhakra Dam oustees, those evacuated from the dam construction-site nearly six decades ago, to help them attend the rally. Before the rally, Modi will lay the foundation stone for AIIMS project at Govind Sagar Lake.
AIIMS Project
JP Nadda, key-host to PM Modi in AIIMS project launch
PM Modi will be addressing his third rally in Bilaspur, which is the native town of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Anurag Thakur's parliamentary constituency. PM Modi is expected to announce a few more projects in the state during the rally. Former Himachal CM Prem Kumar Dhumal also held discussions with BJP leaders in the state regarding the PM's visit.
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Union Health Minister JP NAdda's statement
"The rally is going to be BJP's last jolt to corrupt Congress government. Same time the people of Himachal want to thank Prime Minister Modi for giving us AIIMS-Bilaspur. This medical institute will prove to be a new milestone in the field of medical science."
Arrangements
Bilaspur, rally venue decorated with BJP flags, hoardings
Closely monitoring the arrangements, Nadda visited the rally venue and met with senior police and civil officers who have taken the charge of security arrangements there. PM Modi is going to launch three projects at the event, which will be attended by CM Virbhadra Singh and Governor Acharya Devvrat. The function is being held at Indoor sports complex, next to the HPCA Cricket Stadium.
Oustees
Most oustees take boats to reach Bilaspur
Of the four assembly constituencies in Bilaspur district, three of them -Nainadevi, Janduta, and Bilaspur (Sadar)- have large number of Bhakra Dam oustees. Most oustees still take boats to travel across the lake to Bilaspur as it cuts down the time. In 1963, 371 villages were submerged in the Bhakra Dam catchment area. The oustees have been waiting for over five decades for rehabilitation.
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BJP MLA from Bilaspur Randhir Sharma's statement
"We have arranged additional boats for the PM's rally as one of the modes of transport. Others can come by buses, private cars or small transport vehicles. For the oustees, it could be a moment to recall their pain they are bearing for 54 years."