Himachal Govt Playing Politics Over Central Aid: Jairam Thakur
LoP Jairam Thakur accuses CM Sukhu of playing politics with central financial aid and failing to thank the BJP government for infrastructure support.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has launched a blistering attack on the Himachal Pradesh Congress government, accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of engaging in political gamesmanship regarding central financial aid. The former Chief Minister claimed that the state's ongoing development is almost entirely fueled by the massive support of the BJP-led Central Government, yet the state leadership has failed to show even a shred of gratitude.
Credit Stealing Allegations
In a stinging press statement issued from Hamirpur, Thakur alleged that Chief Minister Sukhu is actively attempting to bolster his own political image by taking credit for projects that are actually funded by the Centre. According to the Leader of Opposition, billions of rupees in budgetary assistance for road construction, maintenance, and critical infrastructure have been provided directly by the Union Government.
"The budgets for all projects—whether for road inaugurations or foundation-stone laying ceremonies—were sanctioned by the Centre," Thakur stated. He added that while the BJP has no issue with the work being done, it is disappointing that the Chief Minister has not expressed a single word of thanks for the generous assistance being provided to the state.
Financial Crisis in Himachal
Thakur raised serious concerns regarding the deteriorating financial health of the Himachal Pradesh government. He claimed the state's fiscal condition has become so precarious that it is struggling to meet its own obligations. Specifically, he pointed out that the government is finding it difficult to provide the necessary Rs 30 crore for the Central University at Dharamshala, and is even failing to contribute its 10 per cent share for essential railway projects.
Infrastructure and Road Networks
Turning his attention to the state's connectivity, the former Chief Minister noted that the poor condition of roads over the last four years was an open secret. He asserted that it is only due to the influx of central funds that proper maintenance and improvement work has finally begun. He highlighted several key developments:
- Four-Lane Networks: A network of four-lane roads is currently being laid across the state to ensure safe and easy transportation for locals and tourists alike.
- Rural Connectivity: Extensive road development in rural sectors has been made possible specifically through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
- Central Oversight: Thakur mentioned a recent meeting in Delhi with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, where the progress of Himachal's road projects was reviewed and directives were issued to resolve local issues.
Thakur concluded by stating that while the budgetary support from the Centre forms the backbone of these infrastructure works, the Chief Minister's role is limited to merely laying foundation stones. He further alleged that these projects received central approval through BJP MP Suresh Kashyap, yet the Congress government continues to politicize the assistance.