Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while addressing a press conference in Una on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the state BJP, describing it as ‘Anti-Himachal’. He questioned why the party had failed to stand with the state government before the Centre on crucial issues such as the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and disaster relief. He also asked why BJP leaders did not accompany the government to meet the Prime Minister when the state was fighting for its rightful dues.
The Chief Minister alleged that during the BJP’s tenure, Himachal Pradesh was burdened with a debt of Rs. 76,633 crore. He further said that the previous government for distributing nearly Rs. 5,000 crore in ‘freebies’ during election time, which weakened financial discipline. Despite receiving significantly higher funds from the Centre around Rs. 60,000 crore more than the present government the BJP failed to utilise these resources effectively. Instead, he claimed, the funds were misused, pushing the state deeper into debt. He said that if the money was been properly utilised, Himachal could have been debt-free today.
He said that BJP policies had consistently been against the interests of the state and did not prioritise public welfare. In contrast the present state government from past 40 months has focused on Vyavastha Parivartan, prioritized public service, introduced policy changes, enacted new laws and curbed corruption which were bringing positive results.
Sukhu said that the people of the state have now recognized the truth that the BJP has been making desperate attempts to gain power through social media manipulation, including defaming the present government with false claims. He said that the Congress government has introduced several welfare schemes including a monthly assistance of Rs. 1,500 for women from one lakh underprivileged families, free electricity up to 300 units and pensions for women above 59 years of age.
He said that to promote natural farming, the minimum support prices for wheat, maize and turmeric have been increased, thereby boosting farmer’s incomes. He reaffirmed the present state government was committed to transparency, good governance and making the state self-reliant for which making all possible efforts.
The Chief Minister said that Himachal ranked 21st in quality education during the BJP’s rule, whereas it has now improved to fifth place nationwide under the present government. The introduction of the CBSE pattern in government schools has opened new opportunities for students.
Highlighting industrial development, he said the Bulk Drug Park project in Una as transformative, expected to generate over 10,000 jobs in the district and usher in a new phase of industrial growth. In the energy sector efforts were being made to establish Una as a leader in solar power, including the installation of a solar plant in Pekhubela and the development of similar projects in various parts of the state.
He said that improvements in health sectors was among the top priorities of the state government for which hospitals are being equipped with modern machinery and specialist doctors to ensure better services for the poor and needy.
Referring to the natural disasters of 2023 and 2025, the Chief Minister said the state government had announced historic relief packages on its own, while no BJP leader stepped forward to secure additional assistance from the Centre. He added that the state is still awaiting the Rs. 1,500 crore relief packages announced by the Prime Minister and BJP leaders were not making any efforts representing the state and demanding accountability on the matter.
Sukhu further said that the discontinuation of RDG has caused a loss of approximately Rs. 50,000 crore to the state. He said that this amount is the state’s right, not charity. He said that the BJP is facing internal factionalism and the party is divided into five groups in Himachal. He said that the Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur is under pressure to retain his position, which is why he keeps issuing frequent statements against Congress just to be in the media.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, MLAs Rakesh Kalia and Vivek Sharma, former MLA Satpal Raizada, District Congress President Des Raj Gautam, HIMCOFED Chairman Vikram Sharma, SC Commission member Vijay Dogra, Congress leader Ashok Thakur and other dignitaries were present during the press conference.
