Kangra, April 21
After the announcement of civic poll dates, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said the Congress would not contest upcoming panchayat elections on a party symbol, adding that a decision on urban local body polls would be taken later. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister also rejected opposition criticism, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of making “false allegations” against his government.
Sukhu on Tuesday also announced financial assistance of ₹3,500 for fish farmers and a 90 per cent subsidy on fishing nets during his visit to Fatehpur in Kangra district, while also launching and inaugurating key development projects in the region.
The Chief Minister, during his one-day tour of Jwalamukhi and Fatehpur Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, performed the foundation stone laying ceremony for an 800-metre-long bridge over the Beas River at Sthana. He also inaugurated the construction of a combined mini-secretariat in Fatehpur.
Addressing a public gathering in Jakhbar panchayat, Sukhu said the bridge over the Beas River had been a long-pending demand, and its construction marks a major step toward strengthening connectivity in the region. He also targeted the opposition, accusing previous governments of neglecting key public needs.
Focusing on the Pong Dam region, the Chief Minister announced that fish farmers would be given an honorarium of ₹3,500 and a 90 per cent subsidy on fishing nets. He said that a majority of residents in the area depend on fisheries for their livelihoods, and that the government is committed to supporting them.
On the issue of elections, Sukhu said panchayat polls would be held soon after the model code of conduct comes into force, and efforts would be made to conduct them with consensus. He added that no decision has been taken yet regarding municipal corporation elections.
Responding to remarks by MLA Janak Raj, the Chief Minister said male sterilisation procedures were conducted in government hospitals and the state has proper records. He said an inquiry has been ordered and pointed to the emergence of a “ghost patient” issue, where names were recorded without actual treatment. He added that further findings are expected in the vigilance investigation.
Sukhu also said the present government inherited financial liabilities of ₹17,000 crore but remains committed to public welfare. He alleged misuse of public funds in the past and said the government has taken steps to close avenues of corruption.
On the Chester Hill controversy, the Chief Minister described it as an internal matter among officials and said action would be taken against those found responsible.
