Himachal Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said Bharatiya Janata Party was 'Anti- Himachal' as it did not take up the issues of state interest with the Central government despite so much financial stress.
Talking to media persons in Una, the Chief Minister said the Bharatiya Janata Party had failed to back the state government on crucial issues like withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and disaster relief.
He said the BJP leaders did not accompany the state government to meet the Prime Minister when the state was fighting for its rightful dues.
The Chief Minister alleged that during the BJP’s tenure, Himachal Pradesh was burdened with a debt of ₹76,633 crore. He charged the previous BJP government for distributing nearly ₹5,000 crore in 'freebies' during election time, which weakened financial discipline. He said despite receiving significantly higher funds from the Centre, the BJP failed to utilise these resources effectively.
"Instead, he claimed, the funds were misused, pushing the state deeper into debt," he said.
He said had the money been properly utilised, Himachal could have been debt-free today.
Sukhu said that BJP policies had consistently been against the interests of the state and did not prioritise public welfare.
" In contrast the present state government from 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," he said.
The Chief Minister said that the people of the state had now recognized the truth that the BJP had been making desperate attempts to gain power through social media manipulation, including defaming the present government with false claims," he said.
He said that the Congress government has introduced several welfare schemes including a monthly assistance of ₹1,500 for women from one lakh underprivileged families, free electricity up to 300 units and pension for women above 59 years of age.
He said that to promote natural farming, the minimum support prices for wheat, maize and turmeric have been increased, thereby boosting farmer's incomes. He reaffirmed the present state government was committed to transparency, good governance and making the state self-reliant for which making all possible efforts.
The Chief Minister said that Himachal ranked 21st in quality education during the BJP’s rule, whereas it has now improved to fifth place nationwide under the present government. The introduction of the CBSE pattern in government schools has opened new opportunities for students.
Highlighting industrial development, he said the Bulk Drug Park project in Una as 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.
He said that improvements in health sectors was among the top priorities of the state government for which hospitals are being equipped with modern machinery and specialist doctors to ensure better services for the poor and needy.
Referring to the natural disasters of 2023 and 2025, the Chief Minister said the state government had announced historic relief packages on its own, while no BJP leader stepped forward to secure additional assistance from the Centre. He added that the state is still awaiting the ₹1,500 crore relief packages announced by the Prime Minister and BJP leaders were not making any efforts representing the state and demanding accountability on the matter.
Sukhu said that the discontinuation of RDG had caused a loss of approximately ₹50,000 crore to the state. He said that this amount is the state’s right, not charity.
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