Gohar (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 24 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Thursday said fairs and temples are an integral part of the state's culture, tradition and heritage, and such religious and cultural events should be kept away from politics.
Agnihotri made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the seven-day district-level Nalwar Mela Khoyd organised in Gohar of the Nachan assembly constituency. He also participated in the procession held on the occasion.
The Deputy Chief Minister said fairs and temples do not belong to any particular political party and should not be associated with party politics.
"Fairs and temples are a part of our culture, civilisation and heritage. They are not related to any one political party, and neither are they the property of any particular party. Such events should be kept above politics," he said.
Agnihotri said attempts were made to prevent him from attending the event, but he believed that politics should not come in the way of visiting temples and participating in fairs.
"We are people who have faith in temples, and whenever we get an opportunity, we visit such places and seek blessings of the deities," he said.
He added that everyone should rise above party politics and participate in fairs and temple-related events. He said the management of fairs may change hands between different political groups over time, but the dignity and importance of such cultural events must be maintained.
On local development, Agnihotri said the construction of a bus stand in Gohar would be ensured. He directed officials to finalise the land for the project at the earliest if it had not yet been decided.
He also announced that bus services from Gohar to AIIMS Bilaspur and PGI Chandigarh would be started following demands from residents.
The Deputy Chief Minister announced an allocation of one crore rupees to the Jal Shakti Department for addressing a large number of applications related to water connections, tanks and other works in the Nachan assembly constituency.
He also announced Rs 10 lakh for various development works in the Gram Panchayat and said efforts would be made to fill vacant posts at Vasa College.
Agnihotri said the state government was continuously working towards development while giving equal importance to the preservation of Himachal Pradesh's culture, traditions and religious faith.
On the occasion, Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Development Corporation Chairman Lal Singh Kaushal and Pradesh Congress Committee Scheduled Caste Department Chairman Naresh Chauhan also addressed the gathering.
Local Panchayat Pradhan Gayatri Devi welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister. Jal Management Board Vice Chairman Shashi Sharma, District Congress Committee President Champa Thakur and other dignitaries were also present. (ANI)
Fairs, temples are part of our culture and must be kept above politics: Himachal Dy CM Agnihotri
