Bharatiya Janata Party would organise ‘Kavi Sammelans’ (poetry recitation programmes) to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in all 68 assembly constituencies.

Himachal Pradesh BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti said the ‘Kavi Sammelans’ would be organised on 16 September.

Further, programmes would be organised on Vajpayee’s poetry as it had great impact on common masses from 17 to 25 September in which poets and intellectuals would express their views.

It would not be a party specific function as people from all walks of life would be invited to express their views and opinions on Vajpayee’s poetry, he added.

In addition, the party would organise state executive committee on 19 and 20 September to finalise roadmap for Lok Sabha elections.

Satti said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government had sanctioned various projects and schemes for Himachal and in addition, the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur government is also working for the welfare of people of the state.

“The party in its meeting would devise strategy to spread awareness on Central and state government’s schemes masses to seek support from general public for upcoming general elections,” he said.

Commenting on fuel price hike, state BJP chief said the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel was owing to the hike in crude oil prices in the international market. “PM Modi led Central government is finding way to control the prices of petroleum products,” he said, adding the issue was also discussed in the national executive that was recently held in New Delhi.

Terming the Congress’ ‘Bharat Band’ call as a way to retain support among  masses, he said same situation was also witnessed during previous UPA regime and the prices of essential commodities had skyrocketed at that time.

“Congress’ protest was full of unruly scenes wherein public had to face inconvenience though Himachal remaining unaffected as there was no impact of the strike in the state,” he said. The petrol prices would come down as the prices of crude oil start witnessing downward trend in the international market, he said, HP CM had also convened a meeting on Monday evening to discuss the scenario but the final to reduce VAT rests with the government.

He added the appointment of Chairmen or Vice Chairmen in boards and corporations of the state government would be decided soon and it is likely that these would be made before the Lok Sabha polls.