BJP Slams Himachal Govt Over Financial Mismanagement, Development Stagnation

BJP criticizes the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for halting development and poor financial management. The BJP chief condemned the rise in taxes and elimination of free water in rural areas, claiming it burdens citizens and businesses.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh has levied sharp criticism against the Congress-led state government, accusing it of stalling development and mishandling the state's finances. During a press conference in Shimla, state BJP Chief Dr. Rajiv Bindal censured Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's administration over its economic policies.

Dr. Bindal alleged that the government, which appeared flush with funds during the election period, swiftly began lamenting financial difficulties once the elections concluded. Additionally, he accused the Congress of increasing the burdens on ordinary citizens, citing the closure of 1,100 government institutions and a Rs 7 hike in VAT on diesel, which resulted in a Rs 2,500 crore collection from the public in merely 18 months. He also criticized the increase in revenue stamp prices and a 19 percent hike in cess on electricity, which reportedly led to industrial migration, adversely affecting livelihoods.

Expressing concern for widespread societal impacts, Dr. Bindal highlighted recent essential goods price hikes, including a Rs 13 per litre increase in edible oil at government depots and rising pulse costs. Furthermore, he condemned the elimination of free water facilities in rural areas, implicating the decision would hurt poorer residents and farmers the most. He articulated the standstill of development initiatives under the current government, despite the Congress taking a Rs 30,000 crore loan with no apparent benefit to the state treasury.

The BJP has called for a reversal of these policies, urging the government to alleviate financial loads on citizens and reinvigorate development projects. (ANI)