Sukhu launches sharp attack on ‘anti-Himachal’ BJP in Una

Shimla: Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday termed the party "anti-Himachal", questioning its failure to back the state govt before the Centre on key issues such as the revenue deficit grant and disaster relief. He also criticised BJP leaders for not accompanying the govt to meet the Prime Minister while the state was seeking its rightful dues. The CM alleged that during the BJP's tenure, Himachal was burdened with a debt of Rs 76,633 crore. He added that the previous govt distributed nearly Rs 5,000 crore in ‘freebies' during election time, which weakened state's finances.Despite receiving significantly higher funds from the Centre, around Rs 60,000 crore more than the present govt, the BJP failed to utilise these resources effectively. Instead, he claimed, the funds were misused, pushing the state deeper into debt. He said if the money was properly utilised, Himachal could have been debt-free today.He said BJP policies consistently were against the interests of the state and did not prioritise public welfare. In contrast, the present state govt from the past 40 months has focused on Vyavastha Parivartan, prioritised public service, introduced policy changes, enacted new laws and curbed corruption, which are bringing positive results.Sukhu said the people of the state have now recognised the truth that the BJP has been making desperate attempts to gain power through social media manipulation, including defaming the present govt with false claims.Highlighting industrial development, he said the Bulk Drug Park project in Una was 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.Sukhu added 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 the BJP is facing internal factionalism and the party is divided into five groups in Himachal. He said 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. MSID:: 130207969 413 |