File photo of Rajnath Singh
BJP president
Rajnath Singh today said that if his party came to power at the Centre its priority would be to set up a National Mission on Himalayas for sustainable development of the region.
Addressing an election rally in Kotdwara on the last day of campaigning for the May 7 polls, Mr Singh said his party had announced in its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections its commitment to set up a National Mission on Himalayas which will cover a dozen states.
"It will be our priority," he said canvassing for party's candidate from Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha seat and former Chief Minister B C Khanduri. (
India Votes 2014: Full Coverage)
Mr Singh said his party-led government would also set up a welfare board to address the problems of ex-servicemen, who form a sizable number of electorate in the hilly state. He assured the ex-servicemen that BJP would implement the 'One Rank, One pension' scheme immediately after coming to power. (
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Taking a dig at Congress over cases of corruption, the BJP president said that in its 55-year rule, "Congress has done nothing but nurtured corruption".
Mr Singh said their political opponents have been so annoyed with the popularity of BJP prime ministerial nominee
Narendra Modi that "they are personally attacking him (Modi)".
Referring to 'snoopgate', he said Congress is trying to stop Mr Modi from campaigning by setting up a judicial commission on the issue.
"This action of Congress has angered their own allies," he said, "I would like to congratulate Sharad Pawar (NCP chief) and Farooq Abdullah (NC supremo) who openly expressed their displeasure on this issue".
To woo Muslim voters, he reminded the audience sacrifice of freedom fighter Ashfaqulla Khan who was hanged by the British. "Every person has contributed for India's freedom," he added.
He advised BJP workers not to distinguish between people on ground of religion or faith. "Knock at every door for the sake of 'Rashtra Dharm'" he added.