E-Paper
Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Haridwar legislators support MP Nishank, praise his tenure
BJP’s Khanpur MLA Kunwar Pranav Champion had on Monday questioned the tenure of Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank as Haridwar Member of Parliament. Champion also claimed that his wife deserved the party ticket for the Lok Sabha elections this time.
Coming out in support of local parliamentarian and former chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank,several legislators from Haridwar have lashed out at Khanpur legislator Kunwar Pranav Champion for questioning the former CM’s tenure.
Champion on Monday had sought ticket for his wife Rani Devyani from Haridwar Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by Nishank. Terming Nishank an outsider (as he belongs to the neighbouring district of Pauri Garhwal), Champion questioned his performance as an MP, accusing him of going on a foundation stone-laying spree a few weeks ago with elections in mind.
He had questioned Nishank’s performance as an MP, saying he did few developmental works and just a few weeks ago started laying foundation stones of dozens of projects with an eye on elections.Champion had also said his wife deserved BJP ticket this time.
However, two-time legislator Yatishwaranand described Nishank’s tenure as development-oriented, citing a large number of projects carried out during the period.
Taking a dig at Champion, the seer-turned politician said Champion still had the Congress culture in him , despite being a BJP legislator. Champion was in the Congress for more than a decade.
“Kunwar has made baseless allegations against Nishank,who carried out more several projects in the entire Haridwar constituency. Kunwar should have first sought details of the projects rolled out by Nishank during 2014-19 from respective administrative officials,”said Yatishwaranand.
Sanjay Gupta, two-time MLA from Lakshar too echoed a similar view.
“Nishank won by a margin of 1.78 lakh votes from Haridwar last time ,which shows his popularity and is one of the tallest leaders from the state.One should refrain from making any such comments, as it eventually presents image of party legislators in a bad light “remarked Gupta.
Terming ticket allocation a high command and screening committee prerogative, two time Ranipur-BHEL legislator Aadesh Chauhan said with only a few weeks to go for the election, every party worker and leader should ensure unity within the party.
When contacted Nishank refused to react to Champion’s comments but highlighted projects worth ₹2500 crore in the constituency, which he said was the maximum for any Haridwar MP. He also pointed out his role in including Haridwar in the newly formed Uttarakhand in the late 90’s against much criticism.
Meanwhile, state BJP chief Ajay Bhatt in a press statement has warned leaders of disciplinary action in the eventuality of criticising senior party leaders.
For complete coverage of Lok Sabha Elections 2019, click here
