On Himachal BJP Govt's one-year mega show, PM Modi to be star dominance

Shimla: First time after BJP's massive poll losses in three states — Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have star dominance in Himachal Pradesh — a state, which saw return to the BJP to power replacing Virbhadra Singh led Congress government, a year back.

The BJP proposes to go in for mega celebrations mode, hosting a massive show of strength at Dharamshala on December 27 to mark one year completion of the Jai Ram Thakur government.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister flew in to Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended him a formal invitation to visit Dharamshala and address party rally.

There are possibilities of BJP president Amit Shah also attending the function.

Last year on December 27, when Jai Ram Thakur took oath as first-time Chief Minister, Prime Minister, former Deputy PM LK Advani, union Home minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister of all BJP ruled states were present. The ceremony was held at Shimla's historic Ridge.

The BJP, in 2017 polls, had projected former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal as Chief Ministerial candidate but he lost his assembly seat, forcing the BJP to look for new face. The choice fell on Jai Ram Thakur, a five-time MLA from Seraj even as union Health minister J P Nadda's name was also going around. "The BJP government has done a remarkable job during past one year, resorting public confidence in the government and dealing with corruption, mafia raj and ensuring safety to women. Public grievances redressal programme Jan Manch has been a mega success," Thakur said.

"A huge rally will be

organised at Dharamshala to mark the occasion on one year, and I have urged Prime Minister for his blessings and guidance on the occasion," added Thakur.

Prime Minister, during his stay at Dharamshala, will also kick start BJP's campaign for the next Lok Sabha polls in the state. The BJP, during 2014 polls, had won all four seats even as it was Congress in the power.

"A short film prepared to show case achievements of the BJP government during one year rule will also be screened in presenece of the Prime Minister," said Krishan Kapoor, minister for Food and civil supplies, who is also sitting a MLA from Dharamshala.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Wednesday held a protest outside Deputy Commissioner, Shimla's office against the Congress on Rafale deal and burnt the effigy of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who was incidentally in the town.