Virbhadra rejects VHP's demand to rename capital as Ma Shyamla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today dismissed the demand of Vishwa Hindu Parishad to change the name of Shimla as 'Ma Shyamla' and some other places.

"There is no justification in changing the name of Shimla, which is an internationally renowned tourist destination, and some other places," he said, adding, "change in name would serve no purpose".

Taking a jibe at VHP, Singh said, "Tomorrow, they may ask me to change my name but there is no logic in it."

Scotching rumours about cabinet reshuffle and induction of some chief parliamentary Secretaries (CPS), he said, "The government is stable and functioning well and there is neither any need nor any proposal of cabinet reshuffle or induction of CPS."

The state possesses "immense" natural beauty and has vast tourism potential and the government would focus on developing lesser known and remote places, popular for ancient temples and shrines, he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of Himachal Travel Mart here.

Better connectivity would definitely attract more tourists, the Chief minister said, adding resumption of air services to Shimla would attract high-end tourists in large numbers.