Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was accorded a warm welcome with traditional musical instruments by people at his official residence, Oak Over, in Shimla today, upon his arrival from New Delhi following Himachal Pradesh’s victory in the BBMB arrears case in the Supreme Court.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had achieved another historic victory in its fight to secure its rightful dues. He described the favourable Supreme Court verdict in the BBMB arrears case as the result of the present state government’s strong political will, firm resolve and sustained legal and political efforts. He said that justice in this long-pending matter was a major achievement in safeguarding the economic interests of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had agreed to the Kishau Dam Project agreement only after carefully considering the state’s interests. Had the state government not taken a firm stand, Himachal Pradesh might have been forced to accept terms that overlooked its interests. He said that safeguarding the state’s rights over its water and energy resources remained a priority and that there would be no compromise on this issue.
The Chief Minister said that the present government had achieved success not only in the BBMB case but also in several other important matters concerning the interests of the state. The Wildflower Hall case had remained pending for the past 23 years, but due to the government’s efforts, the state was now receiving revenue from it.
He said that the people of Himachal Pradesh had entrusted the present Congress government with the responsibility of protecting the state’s assets and resources for a five-year term. The government was fulfilling this responsibility with complete dedication. Even during the difficult period of natural disasters, the government had faced challenges with determination and taken effective steps towards the reconstruction of the state.
