Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday rejected the recent Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report that described him as the richest Chief Minister in North India. He alleged that the report was being used for political purposes to damage his image.
Sukhu said the assets mentioned in the report had been disclosed in his election affidavits for nearly 20 years. He maintained that he had not acquired any new property during this period.
"The property has been mentioned in my election affidavit for the last 20 years. Nothing new has been added. Unfortunately, an old declaration is being projected now to create an impression that I have suddenly accumulated wealth. This is a political attempt to tarnish my image," Sukhu said.
Sukhu said the value mentioned in the affidavit was based on the property's present assessed value, while the property itself had been purchased several years ago.
Sukhu also claimed that his personal assets had actually decreased after he became Chief Minister. He said the latest details would be shown in his next election affidavit.
"Since I became the Chief Minister, my assets have actually reduced. That will be reflected in my next election affidavit," he said.
Rejecting questions about the source of his wealth, Sukhu said he had built his assets through years of honest work. He also challenged anyone with doubts to have the details checked by investigating agencies.
"I have worked in Shimla for nearly 40 years. With hard work and honesty, any person from an ordinary family can build assets. If anyone has doubts, they are free to get the matter verified by agencies such as the ED or the CBI. I have nothing to hide," he added.
On the issue of political defections, Sukhu said the Congress remained committed to its ideology and would not support opportunistic politics.
"If someone wants to leave a party, no one can stop them. But we need people committed to the Congress ideology. Leaders from the BJP often approach us before elections when they do not get party tickets, but we are not interested in those who change sides for personal gain," he said.
Taking a dig at the BJP, Sukhu alleged that the party had become linked with corruption allegations and controversies over electoral funding.
On another political issue, the Chief Minister supported Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's reported comments on the education system. He said the country needed an Education Minister who would protect the interests of students.
"Rahul Gandhi is right. The country needs an Education Minister who focuses on education and does not play with the future of students," Sukhu said.
Reacting to recent remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about Himachal Pradesh's youth, Sukhu said he planned to speak with his Punjab counterpart. He also appealed against giving a political angle to comments related to the welfare of young people.
"I will speak to the Punjab Chief Minister. It is wrong to give a political colour to remarks concerning the welfare of the youth. Such issues should not be politicised," he said.
Sukhu also said he would assess the damage caused by the recent heavy rains in Chamba district during his visit. He added that he would discuss the situation with the officials concerned.
Also read: Heavy rain alert in Himachal; schools, colleges shut in Nahan
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