Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, in a press statement issued today, criticized the State BJP leaders for making misleading statements aimed at tarnishing Himachal Pradesh’s image. He blamed the state BJP for engaging in baseless political stunts across the country. The Minister specifically called out State BJP President Dr. Rajiv Bindal, alleging that he has been making fabricated allegations to serve his political interests in Jharkhand, almost 1,600 kilometers away from Himachal.
He questioned Dr. Bindal’s removal from his Cabinet Minister position during the previous BJP government’s tenure, asking why he was sidelined within both the party and the government. He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh, known as “Devbhoomi”, has a reputation for being a clean, honest and progressive state. He accused Dr. Bindal of tarnishing this image for vote-bank politics by spreading false information. He added that Dr. Bindal’s political maneuvers using incorrect data were evident to all. Furthermore, the Minister blamed the BJP leaders of hurting the sentiments and self-respect of the people of Himachal Pradesh by spreading lies.
He highlighted the State Government’s achievements over the last 23 months, including generating employment opportunities for nearly 30,000 youth. Ayush Minister detailed the accomplishments of the current State Government during its tenure, stating that five out of ten guarantees have been fulfilled, with the remaining being addressed in phases. These achievements include restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for 1.36 lakh government employees, launch of the Rs. 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana to support self-employment among youth, introduction of English-medium education from the first class and implementation of minimum support prices Rs. 40 per kg for naturally produced wheat and Rs. 30 per kg for maize.
He also highlighted progress in social security, the enactment of the country’s first law ensuring the care of 6,000 orphans. Additionally, over 2.25 lakh pending revenue cases were resolved through Revenue Lok Adalats. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state to offer support prices for milk, with cow milk priced at Rs. 45 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 55 per litre. Women above 18 years of age are now receiving a pension of Rs. 1,500 per month, he said. The Minister praised the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who has launched several ambitious schemes and ensured direct engagement with people in remote areas to address their concerns. He said that the opposition should adopt a constructive approach and contribute to the state’s overall development instead of resorting to baseless criticism for media attention.
