BBMB Power Rights: Jairam Thakur Slams Sukhu Govt for 'Stealing' 30-Year Credit
Former CM Jairam Thakur accuses the Sukhu government of stealing credit for a 30-year fight over BBMB power rights and demands free electricity.
The political climate in Himachal Pradesh has heated up as Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government. Thakur has accused the current administration of attempting to hijack the political credit for the Supreme Court's recent verdict regarding Himachal Pradesh's electricity share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
A Three-Decade Struggle
Addressing a press conference at his official residence in Shimla, Jairam Thakur asserted that the legal victory was not the result of a single administration's efforts but the culmination of nearly 30 years of persistent struggle by successive state governments. He questioned Chief Minister Sukhu's claims to the credit, stating that the verdict was based on historical facts and rigorous legal arguments established over decades.
To illustrate the timeline, Thakur detailed the historical trajectory of the dispute:
- The Beginning: Former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar was the first to raise the demand for royalty on the state's water resources.
- Legal Escalation: The matter was taken to the Supreme Court in 1996 during the tenure of former CM Virbhadra Singh.
- The 2011 Milestone: Under the Prem Kumar Dhumal government, the state secured a 7.19 per cent electricity share on September 27, 2011.
- Recent Efforts: On January 4, 2018, the BJP government led by Thakur decided in a Cabinet meeting to pursue the restoration of differential energy.
Thakur emphasized that the final resolution was made possible through continued legal proceedings and the intervention of the Attorney General of India and the Central Government.
The Power Payoff
According to the former Chief Minister, the outcome of this long-term battle is significant. After the adjustment of capital liabilities, Himachal Pradesh is set to receive 11,973 million units of electricity over the next 20 years. This translates to approximately 598 million units annually during the six winter months.
"Who should get the credit for this decision? This is the outcome of a 30-year-long struggle involving successive governments. The Chief Minister should explain what his personal contribution to this achievement has been," Thakur challenged.
Demands for Free Electricity and Tariff Relief
Beyond the BBMB dispute, Thakur turned his attention to the immediate financial burden on the public. He demanded that the Sukhu government immediately restore the 125-unit free electricity scheme, which had been discontinued by the current administration.
He further reminded the Congress party of its own pre-election promises, specifically the guarantee to provide 300 units of free electricity to consumers. "What has happened to that guarantee? The government must fulfil its commitment to the people," he stated.
Concerns Over Industrial Burden and Finances
The Leader of the Opposition also raised alarms regarding:
- Rising electricity charges and the imposition of additional cess.
- The increasing financial strain on the state's industries.
- The government's overall financial management, alleging that employees are still waiting for their dearness allowance (DA), medical bill reimbursements, and arrears.
Thakur alleged that while the government continues to borrow money, it has failed to provide meaningful relief to the citizens despite numerous public announcements.
Political Warning to Congress
Ending on a defiant note, Jairam Thakur claimed that taking credit for others' hard work and making unfulfilled promises would lead to the ruling party's downfall. He asserted that the Congress government would be defeated in the next elections and warned that if the BJP returns to power, the decisions made by the current administration would be thoroughly reviewed.