The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is preparing to compromise the state’s interests, alleged Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday.
He claimed that the recent cancellation of hydro power projects previously allotted to two major public sector undertakings—Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)—is a clear indication of this intent. Thakur made these remarks after hoisting the BJP flag at the party headquarters in Shimla while extending his greetings to party workers on the occasion of the BJP's 46th foundation day.
He criticised the government's move to withdraw the 382 MW Sunni, 210 MW Luhri Stage-I, and 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydroelectric projects from SJVNL, as well as the 500 MW Dugar and 180 MW Baira Suil projects from NHPC. According to him, these projects were crucial for the state’s development and were being managed by institutions with a strong track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure.
He alleged that the Congress-led state government is now planning to lease these hydro power projects to private players or firms from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, hinting at political deals between the Congress governments of the two states. He claimed there were growing whispers about questionable arrangements taking shape behind the scenes.
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Raising serious concerns, Thakur pointed to the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). Negi had gone missing for a week before his body was discovered in Bilaspur on March 18. His wife had alleged that he was subjected to mental torture by his superiors.
Subsequently, HPPCL’s Director (Electrical) Desh Raj and Managing Director Harikesh Meena were booked for abetment to suicide. Thakur said the incident raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the functioning of the state's power sector, suggesting the existence of a nexus between political leaders and bureaucrats.
Thakur also accused the Congress government of going back on its promises, particularly the pre-poll guarantees made to the people.
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Instead of delivering on them, he said the government has increased the burden on the common man, citing the recent hike in bus fares where the minimum fare has been raised to Rs 10. He said such moves reflect a growing disconnect between the government and the people.
Reflecting on the BJP’s journey, Thakur said the party, which was founded on April 6, 1980, as the political successor of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, has grown to become the largest political party in the world.
He said the BJP prioritises nationalism along with sustainable economic and social development. The party, he added, is currently leading governments at the Centre and in 21 states.
Meanwhile, BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, celebrated the party’s foundation day at her residence. She said the occasion offers an opportunity to reinforce the BJP’s ideology and values.
According to her, in the past decade, the BJP has gained the distinction of being the party with the largest membership globally, which is a testament to the growing faith of people in its vision and leadership.
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