Tribal Areas Neglected: Shrikant Sharma Slams CM Sukhu Over 'Vote Bank' Politics
BJP's Shrikant Sharma criticizes the Himachal government for failing to provide basic healthcare and road repairs in tribal regions before winter.
The political temperature in Himachal Pradesh has risen as BJP State In-charge and Mathura MLA Shrikant Sharma accuses CM Sukhu and his government of blatant neglect toward the state's tribal regions. During a visit to the Trilokinath area of Udaipur Mandal, Sharma launched a scathing attack on the Congress administration, alleging that while the government is keen on securing votes from Lahaul-Spiti, it has failed miserably in providing the most basic public services to its residents.
Healthcare Crisis Before Winter
With the onset of winter and the threat of heavy snowfall looming, Sharma expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare in remote tribal zones. While interacting with local residents and party workers, he highlighted a shocking lack of resources in government health institutions.
Specifically, complaints from the Jalma Panchayat and surrounding areas revealed that primary health centers are unable to provide medicines for even the most common ailments, such as the common cold. Sharma questioned the government's capability, asking how seriously ill patients would be treated during the harsh winter months if basic medicines are currently unavailable.
"The Congress government cannot continue treating tribal communities as a vote bank while ignoring their fundamental needs. The people of Lahaul-Spiti deserve proper healthcare, safe roads and timely development—not empty promises," Sharma asserted.
Crumbling Infrastructure and Road Woes
Beyond healthcare, the BJP leader pointed a finger at the state of rural connectivity. He drew a sharp contrast between the national highways, which are being improved under the Central Government, and the rural link roads, which fall under the state's jurisdiction and remain in shambles.
Sharma specifically mentioned the poor condition of the Chokhang and Miyar Valley roads, along with several other vital links connecting remote settlements. He demanded immediate transparency from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu regarding:
- The specific arrangements made for road repair and maintenance before the snowfall.
- The exact amount of funding sanctioned for these projects.
- The actual progress and volume of work completed on the ground.
Demands for Financial Transparency
The BJP leader further alleged that the Congress government is hiding the truth about tribal development funds. He demanded a detailed disclosure of the amount allocated, released, and spent on tribal areas for both the current and previous financial years.
Sharma argued that a transparent comparison of these allocations is necessary for the public to determine if resources are actually reaching the remote regions or if they are being mismanaged. He claimed that the lack of accessible budget information raises serious questions about the government's accountability.
Focus on 'Mann Ki Baat' and Grassroots Action
The visit coincided with the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, which Sharma joined along with BJP workers at Booth No. 15 in Trilokinath. He praised the programme for inspiring nation-building and community service through grassroots achievements.
Turning to his party cadre, Sharma urged BJP workers to stay deeply connected with local communities, identify their grievances, and ensure these concerns are raised through the proper administrative channels to hold the government accountable.
The BJP's Final Demands:
- Immediate supply of essential medicines at all tribal healthcare institutions before winter hits.
- Urgent repairs of link roads in Miyar Valley, Chokhang, and other affected tribal zones.
- Publication of a detailed and transparent account of all tribal development funds.