Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP during a press conference in Una district, terming the party “anti-Himachal” and accusing it of failing to support the state on key financial matters.
He questioned the BJP’s silence on crucial issues such as the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and disaster relief, and asked why its leaders did not accompany the state delegation to meet the Prime Minister while seeking the state’s dues.
Sukhu alleged that the previous BJP government left Himachal Pradesh with a debt burden of Rs. 76,633 crore and weakened fiscal discipline by distributing nearly Rs. 5,000 crore in pre-election “freebies.” He claimed that despite receiving around Rs. 60,000 crore more from the Centre, the funds were mismanaged, pushing the state deeper into debt.
Contrasting this with his government’s tenure, the Chief Minister said the present administration has focused on governance reforms, public service delivery and anti-corruption measures over the past 40 months, yielding positive outcomes.
He also accused the BJP of attempting to regain power through misinformation on social media, while highlighting welfare initiatives of the Congress government, including financial assistance for women, free electricity up to 300 units and pension schemes.
On agriculture, Sukhu said enhanced MSPs for wheat, maize and turmeric were aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, good governance and making the state self-reliant.
Highlighting progress in education, he said Himachal has improved from 21st to 5th position nationally, aided by reforms such as the introduction of the CBSE curriculum in government schools.
In the industrial sector, he termed the Bulk Drug Park in Una a game-changer expected to generate over 10,000 jobs. He also outlined efforts to position Una as a solar energy hub, including projects like the Pekhubela solar plant.
The Chief Minister said healthcare remains a priority, with hospitals being upgraded with modern equipment and specialist doctors to improve services.
Referring to the natural disasters of 2023 and 2025, Sukhu said the state announced relief packages on its own, while alleging that BJP leaders failed to secure additional central assistance. He added that the state is still awaiting the Rs. 1,500 crore relief announced by the Prime Minister.
He further claimed that discontinuation of RDG has cost the state around Rs. 50,000 crore, asserting that the amount is Himachal’s rightful due.
Taking a dig at the विपक्ष, Sukhu said the BJP in Himachal is grappling with internal divisions. He also targeted Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, alleging he is under pressure to retain his position and frequently issues statements against the government to remain in the spotlight.
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