Nainital: In a significant event held on September 23-24, 2006, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid out a comprehensive development plan during the national conference of Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states.
The conference, attended by Chief Ministers from 14 states and several Union Ministers, aimed to create a policy action plan for the development of Congress-governed states, setting an ideal model for others to follow.
Conference focused on formulating strategies for state development
The agenda of the conference focused on formulating strategies for state development. The discussions were rich with exchanges of experiences and ideas among the Chief Ministers. Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh were accommodated at the Raj Bhavan, while other ministers and Chief Ministers stayed at the Nainital Club and Balrampur House. Two years into his tenure, during this Nainital conclave, journalists inquired if PM Manmohan Singh’s government would appoint a deputy PM. Sonia Gandhi took the microphone and firmly responded, “There will be no deputy PM. I’m saying it categorically.”
Key participants
The conference saw the participation of several notable leaders, including Narayan Dutt Tiwari, the then Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal); YS Rajashekhar Reddy of Andhra Pradesh; Vilasrao Deshmukh of Maharashtra; Sheila Dixit of Delhi; Virbhadra Singh of Himachal Pradesh; Bhupinder Singh Hooda of Haryana; Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir; Amarinder Singh of Punjab; Oommen Chandy of Kerala; Okram Ibobi of Manipur; Tarun Gogoi of Assam; Dharam Singh of Karnataka; JD Rymbai of Meghalaya; Gegong Apang of Arunachal Pradesh; and N Rangaswamy of Puducherry. Additionally, many Central Ministers, including P Chidambaram, were in attendance.
Transforming Nainital
The event marked the largest government and political program in Uttarakhand’s history. Indira Hridayesh, then PWD and Information Minister of Uttaranchal, spearheaded the preparations, transforming Nainital within just 15 days. The Chalet Hall building of Nainital Club was renovated to host the Samagam program, and the entire town, including the Haldwani-Nainital road, was beautified.
Kumaoni cuisines delighted former PM
The conference not only highlighted the development agenda but also showcased the cultural richness of Uttarakhand. The meticulous planning and execution of the event underscored the state’s commitment to progress and development. The legacy of this conference continues to inspire and guide the development policies of Congress-ruled states. Moreover, the local Kumaoni cuisine left a lasting impression on the guests, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi. The dishes, meticulously prepared by the chefs of Kumaon, won their hearts and added a unique flavour to the event.
CM Dhami expressed grief over demise of former PM
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid his floral tribute to the former Prime Minister of the country, late Manmohan Singh in Khatima. He said that “Coming from a simple background, Manmohan Singh successfully discharged various posts including Finance Minister. His contribution in giving a new direction to Indian economic policy is commendable.”
