Kejri’s visit a rushed affair, but kindles a ray of hope, say industrialists - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Kejri’s visit a rushed affair, but kindles a ray of hope, say industrialists

Hindustan Times | ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana:
Mar 01, 2016 03:49 PM IST

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with industrialists in the city turned out to be a rushed affair with the two-hour programme comprising mainly of speeches by heads of various associations in which they listed their problems.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s meeting with industrialists in the city turned out to be a rushed affair with the two-hour programme comprising mainly of speeches by heads of various associations in which they listed their problems.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal putting on a muffler gifted to him by an Industrialist in Ludhiana on Monday.(Ravi Kumar/HT)
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal putting on a muffler gifted to him by an Industrialist in Ludhiana on Monday.(Ravi Kumar/HT)

A large number of industrialists were left in the lurch and could not get access to Kejriwal, nor could they get to know if he had any solutions to offer to their problems. Nevertheless, the industrialists confessed the meeting had kindled a ray of hope in them as Kejriwal has promised to revive their ‘glory’ and return to the state in May again.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Over 25 associations belonging to various industrial sectors such as cycling, automobiles, fertilisers, machinery, timber, auto parts, plywood and hospitality attended the meeting. Eight key speakers representing different associations took to the dais and apprised Kejriwal about the various problems they were facing and then also submitted written representations.

An US-based NRI Baljit Singh Johal, chairman, business advisory council, told HT that he was hopeful that Kejriwal would bring about a change.

“I am representing the NRIs and demand that the passage to the state should be safe for us. We are scared by the Jat agitation that occurred in Haryana. Due to paucity of time and mismanagement, I kept waiting for my turn and could not get a chance to put forth my issues,” he said.

Charanjit Singh, president United Cycle Parts Manufacturing Association, said power has become costlier in the state resulting in losses for them. Vinod Thapar, president of the Knitwear Club, said the taxes on the raw material and other accessories must be reduced to lower the overall cost of the product.

“Due to paucity of time, I could not put forth all my issues and got very little time to speak, but since we have submitted representations, we are hopeful of some positive development,” he said.

Omkar Goyal, president of the All India Retailers Federation, said the visit was a welcome step and they hope their issues will be addressed as Kejriwal has promised to return and interact with them in May.

He said there is no long-term policy for traders to reduce unemployment in future. CHASE TO WASHROOM

Utter chaos prevailed at the resort as soon as Kejriwal ended his speech and a huge crowd included mediapersons and industrialists gathered around him.

The chase continued till the washroom much to the amusement of all who were chasing the chief minister.

TRAFFIC JAM

The event resulted in a jam on the busy highway with protesters, who attacked Kejriwal, worsening the traffic situation. With the other side of the road closed due to recarpeting work, vehicles moved at a snail’s pace as the event got over. The police was seen on its toes finding it tough to manage the situation.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On