CM Sukhu hits back at BJP over briefcase protest

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CM Sukhu accuses BJP of diverting attention from inflation and corruption issues, defends Congress government’s record and says cabinet expansion will be announced at the appropriate time.

Shimla , August 24

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday hit back at the BJP over its briefcase protest outside the Assembly, accusing the Opposition of indulging in “briefcase politics” and diverting public attention from the real issues.

The political confrontation between the ruling Congress and BJP intensified outside the Assembly on the third day of the Monsoon Session after BJP legislators carried briefcases during their protest.

CM Sukhu alleged that the BJP has started the politics of briefcases and was now staging a political drama in the name of corruption. He said the Congress government had maintained “zero tolerance” towards corruption.

The Chief Minister claimed that during the Congress government’s three-year tenure, no minister or Cabinet member had faced any corruption allegation. He accused the BJP of making baseless allegations to disturb the political atmosphere in the state.

Taking a dig at the BJP’s protest, Sukhu referred to an earlier political episode involving six Congress MLAs and three Independent MLAs who had come in contact with the BJP. He said the issue of briefcases was widely discussed during that period.

CM Sukhu alleged that the BJP was now carrying empty briefcases to suggest that they should be filled, but said the people of Himachal Pradesh knew the reality.

He accused the BJP of having used money and power in politics and alleged that the party had misused state resources. Sukhu said his government was protecting the state’s resources and would not allow anyone to compromise public interests.

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP-led Center of misusing central investigative agencies. He claimed that during the Assembly elections, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted action against his supporters and people associated with his family, including an investigation involving land belonging to his brother.

CM Sukhu said the Congress government had initiated investigations into alleged irregularities in HIMCARE, liquor contracts and other matters. He maintained that action against corruption would continue and more facts would be brought before the public.

On the national anthem and national song controversy, CM Sukhu accused the BJP of politicising the issue. He said the Congress respected the national anthem, national song and democratic institutions and have played a historic role in strengthening the country’s constitution and democracy.

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP of diverting attention from issues such as rising prices of essential commodities, including onions and sugar. Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said BJP leaders could have filled their briefcases with onions and sugar and distributed them among the people if they wanted to provide relief.

CM Sukhu said the Congress government was fighting for Himachal Pradesh’s rights and interests and will continue to raise the state’s demands with the Center.

On reports of a meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Sukhu said no specific political discussion had taken place. He clarified that there has been no meeting regarding Cabinet expansion or any political reshuffle.

On Cabinet expansion, CM Sukhu said the details will be announced at the appropriate time. He said all political and administrative decisions will be taken after consultations with the party leadership and organisation.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to transparent governance, CM Sukhu said protecting the state’s resources and public interests remained a priority and that corruption will not be tolerated.