Satish Handa, April 9
Ambala Lok Sabha constituency is set to witness a tough contest in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in which BJP already announced the name of sitting MP Rattan Lal kataria, whereas Congress have yet to officially announce the name of its candidate at Ambala although during Congress Parivartan Rally the name of Kumari Shelja Rajya Sabha member and also a former Union Minister was indicated as an contestant. Needless to say that it would not be so easy for BJP as well as Congress candidate to win poll battle this time
While talking to The Financial World, Kataria admitted that people in the constituency are not satisfied with his performances in past five years assuring not only to complete all pending developmental projects on top priority after victory in coming Lok Sabha polls but also bring lots of developments in his constituency in coming five years if given a chance. Kataria said that he has served people of Ambala Lok Sabha constituency twice and won polls with record number of nearly 3.4 lakh votes in 2014 elections and having faith in him BJP high command have given him another chance again to serve people of his constituency against to complete all most wanted projects and was sure to get success with record votes against like previous 2014 polls. However, Kataria avoided to make any comment on Shelja like in past. Kataria said, BJP came to power after several years and Modi government gave neat and clean administration to people across the country.
Kataria in reply to a question said that there is no rift between him and cabinet minister Anil Vij and would contest polls with his blessings as all BJP leaders wants to see Modi as next Prime Minister. In another question as regard long pending approved railway project for laying railway line between Chandigarh and Yamunanagar via Naraingarh, Kataria admitted delay in this project for one reason or the other in spite of the fact that budget worth Rs 25 crore was approved and at the same time assured to fulfil his promises and start work on this project after coming elections. Kataria said that he was not in favour to close down HMT factory at Pinjore, which was burdening Union Government with financial loss worth Rs 40 crore every month. He disclosed that there is proposal to develop a fruit market in this 100 acres area land belonging to HMT. He said, developing Guru Nanak University in the state is another important project in his mind after elections for which proper site is being searched. Kataria, once again, expressed concern over few mistakes by him in his past five years assuring not to repeat again if given chance this time. Kataria strongly condemned Congress poll manifesto as baseless and unfavourable for the people whereas BJP poll manifesto was highly appreciated by the people, he added.
Talking to The Financial World, Kumari Shelja likely to contest Lok Sabha polls from Ambala said that she would contest polls on the decision of Congress high command. She said that Congress poll manifesto has been admired by all except by BJP leaders, which did nothing for the welfare of people in the country except making false promises in past five years. In reply to a question as regard commencing campaign polls at Ambala as declared during ‘Parivartan Rally’, Shelja said that her workers are doing best at the root level and people are well aware of false commitments made by BJP leaders in past five years.