Gairsain session to show respect to Uttarakhand agitators: Harish Rawat

Describing the proposed session of the state Assembly at Gairsain as a token of respect to the sentiments of Uttarakhand statehood agitationists, Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Wednesday sought opposition BJP's cooperation in smooth conduct of the House in the hill town.

"Holding a session of the state Assembly at Gairsain, which symbolises the aspirations of statehood agitationists, is our way of showing a mark of respect to the people who fought for the cause and we seek the cooperation of everyone including the opposition in smooth conduct of the three-day session," Rawat told reporters in Dehradun.

Gairsain has been an emotive issue in Uttarakhand with a large section of those who fought for statehood being in favour of the remote hill town being declared the permanent capital of the state.

In a reference to the opposition casting doubts on?the feasibility of holding a session in the remote hill town of Gairsain in Chamoli district despite the fact that there was no infrastructure needed for the purpose, Rawat said Gairsain represented the sentiments of people associated with the statehood movement and there should be no politics over it.

He said he appealed to everyone, especially the Leader of Opposition, not to indulge in politics over the issue and sought his cooperation in smooth conduct of the House.

"With the cooperation of all including the opposition it would not be difficult," he said.

"It will be a good if problems plaguing the hills such as migration of workforce, drinking water crisis and poor education and health facilities are debated during the session," the Chief Minister said.

Slated to be held from June 9-11, it is for the first time that a session of the state Assembly is being convened outside Dehradun.

In the absence of proper infrastructure, the assembly session will be held there in a tent.

The state government's decision to hold an Assembly session at Gairsain is being seen in political circles here as a move to please the people of hill in view of the forthcoming panchayat polls slated for June 18, 21 and 24.

Keeping in mind their sentiments, Rawat's predecessor Vijay Bahuguna had laid the foundation stone of an Assembly building at Gairsain on January 14, 2013 and announced that at least one session of the state assembly will be held there every year.