Shimla, April 12 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the state BJP, describing it as ‘anti-Himachal’, questioning why the party had failed to stand with the state before the Centre on crucial issues such as the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and disaster relief.
He 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 told the media in Una town that during the BJP’s tenure, Himachal Pradesh was burdened with a debt of Rs 76,633 crore.
He blamed the previous government for distributing nearly Rs 5,000 crore as 'freebies' during election time, which weakened financial discipline. Despite receiving significantly higher funds of around Rs 60,000 crore from the Centre, which was 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 if the money had been properly utilised, Himachal could have been debt-free today.
He said the BJP policies had consistently been against the interests of the state and did not prioritise public welfare. In contrast, the present government for the past 40 months has focused on ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’, prioritised public service, introduced policy changes, enacted new laws and curbed corruption, which were bringing positive results.
CM 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 government with false claims.
The Chief Minister said that the Congress government has introduced several welfare schemes, including 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 to promote natural farming, the minimum support prices for wheat, maize and turmeric have been increased, thereby boosting farmers' incomes. He reaffirmed that the present government is committed to transparency, good governance and making the state self-reliant, for which all possible efforts are being made.
CM Sukhu further said the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant 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.
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