Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 28
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has strongly criticised Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla over his recent remarks on rising drug abuse in the state, saying that such comments do not suit a person holding a constitutional office. Responding to the Governor’s statement, Sukhu said, “We are taking the strictest action against drug networks and opening dedicated de-addiction centres. The state government is fully committed to eradicating the menace.” Sukhu said that his government had introduced decisive reforms, including amending the NDPS Act within three months to allow for the seizure of properties belonging to drug traffickers. So far, ₹43 crore worth of assets have been confiscated.
“I will personally meet the Governor to explain how serious our government is about tackling the drug problem in Himachal,” he added.
The Chief Minister also announced the first-ever four-day cabinet retreat in the state, aimed at driving policy changes and building a roadmap for a “self-reliant Himachal”. He said it would go beyond formalities and focus on transformational governance. Commenting on the recent controversy surrounding the temporary relocation of a college from Siraj to Sundernagar, Sukhu accused BJP workers of politicising a disaster situation and insulting the national flag.
“They threw black cloth and shoes at my car which had the national flag on it. That’s an insult we will not tolerate,” he said, defending the relocation as a safety measure due to poor road conditions in the original location.
The Chief Minister further noted that the state government had reached disaster-hit areas that had long been neglected and accused the BJP of misleading the public for political gain.
On BJP MPs meeting Union ministers in Delhi, Sukhu welcomed the move but added, “It would have been better if they had done the same during the 2023 disaster. Still, we are ready to work with JP Nadda and seek central support for Himachal’s needs.”
