Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, August 28
Allegations and counter-allegations over industrial policy sparked heated arguments between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused the previous BJP government of “selling Himachal’s interests for a pittance” by allotting industrial land to three companies at throwaway prices under what he described as a “customised package” that he alleged was a major scam.
“The BJP government gave away 4,000 bighas at ₹1 per square metre and another 300 bighas at ₹3 per square metre. Stamp duty was waived entirely. This was done in the name of industrial development but was actually a way to benefit select companies,” Sukhu said on the Assembly floor.
He alleged that a former Industries Minister had “tried to legalise corruption” by turning such benefits into official policy, adding that a formal probe would be conducted into the land allotments and incentives.
Sukhu also lashed out at the opposition, saying the BJP was “split into five factions” and was “confused and agitated.” He claimed the opposition’s boycott of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi was because “he spoke the truth.”
The Chief Minister further briefed the House about the damage caused by heavy rainfall across several districts since the previous night. He said district collectors had been authorised to decide on the closure of schools depending on local conditions and that the government was closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur hit back, saying that the Congress government had “destroyed the industrial sector” since coming to power. He said Himachal had received major projects such as the Medical Devices Park and Bulk Drug Park under the BJP, but that no major industry had been set up in the past three years.
“Electricity tariffs have been hiked sharply, industries are fleeing the state, and investors are scared because Congress leaders and their families are engaged in extortion and pressure tactics,” Thakur alleged.
BJP MLA Bikram Singh Thakur had earlier raised the issue of investment trends and industrial closures in the past three years. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan responded that 2,853 new units were established during the period, while 115 had shut down.
Opposition members accused the government of failing to retain industries and increasing unemployment. Amid slogan-shouting, BJP legislators staged a walkout, accusing the government of shielding corruption.
