Vajpayee promises Himachal package

Vajpayee added: ‘‘Dhumal was our CM but you sent him packing. Now Virbhadra Singh is the Chief Minister. He is an old friend and we will work for him also.’’ Though Vajpayee has come here several times, this was Vajpayee’s first visit to Prini as PM and was planned late last night.

Stressing that education is one way to tackle poverty in the country, Vajpayee said: ‘‘We have made primary education mandatory as no country can progress without educating its people. We want to make sure that no child is deprived of education.’’

‘‘We want good schools with all facilities in every corner of the country. We are a 100-crore nation and can do anything to make our country strong and prosperous,’’ Vajpayee said.

Ending the speech, he said: ‘‘I would serve the nation if you give me an opportunity again. If somebody else makes it to the PM’s chair, we will also help him.’’

In Shimla, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh told mediapersons that he would apprise the PM of the financial and economic position of the state and request him for liberal financial assistance. Due to difficult terrain, the state required more funds for development, he added.