Shimla, April 8
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing the opposition of being deeply divided and failing to stand with the state on key financial issues, especially the row over RDG. Speaking in Shimla after returning from election campaigning in Assam, Sukhu said the BJP in Himachal was “fighting for its own survival” and was too caught up in internal factionalism to defend the interests of the state. He claimed the party had remained silent on the RDG issue and had not supported the government’s efforts to press for its restoration before the Union finance minister.
The chief minister said Himachal was not facing any financial crisis, despite repeated criticism from the opposition. Instead, he said, his government had taken steps to enforce financial discipline and strengthen the state’s economy. Sukhu argued that the reduction in RDG was slowing down development and described the grant as a rightful entitlement of the people of Himachal Pradesh, not a favour from the Centre. He accused the BJP-led central government of weakening the state’s finances, while alleging that the state BJP was more interested in politics than protecting Himachal’s rights.
The chief minister also accused the previous BJP government of corruption in the Himcare health scheme. However, he said the scheme would not be scrapped, adding that his government planned to reform it so patients could receive better treatment and services.
On appointments, Sukhu announced a near-total ban on service extensions and reappointments. He said no employee or officer would be granted an extension or reappointment in the future, except in exceptional cases where performance or special circumstances justified it.
He also responded to recent social media discussion over a service extension, saying the order being circulated related to a reappointment made in December and was not a fresh decision.
On the issue of panchayat elections, the chief minister said the government respected the High Court’s ruling over the decision to halt the deputy commissioners’ 5 percent reservation-related powers. He said governments often review such decisions from time to time and the court’s verdict would be honoured.
Sukhu also spoke about the political mood in Assam, saying the Congress remained strong there. He dismissed BJP criticism of Congress leader Pawan Khera as baseless, saying Khera had spoken on facts while the BJP was spreading misinformation.
