Himachal chief minister Sukhu criticises BJP, calls it anti-Himachal

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of acting against the interests of the state. While addressing a public gathering in the Nachan Assembly constituency of Mandi district, Sukhu said the BJP has repeatedly failed to support Himachal Pradesh on important issues.

Speaking during his visit to the region, Sukhu claimed that the BJP did not raise its voice during times of crisis faced by the state. He also accused the party of remaining silent on the issue of the revenue deficit grant (RDG), which has been an important source of financial support for Himachal Pradesh.

“The BJP is always anti-Himachal,” Sukhu said during his speech. He added that the party neither supported the state during disasters nor spoke about the financial challenges created by the discontinuation of the RDG.

According to the chief minister, the state government had even called an all-party meeting to discuss the RDG issue. However, he said the BJP failed to stand united with other leaders to defend the financial rights of Himachal Pradesh.

Debate over financial support

During his address, Sukhu spoke in detail about the financial situation of the state. He said that Himachal Pradesh used to receive about ₹10,000 crore every year as a revenue deficit grant from the central government.

However, he claimed that the 16th Finance Commission has now discontinued this grant, which has created financial pressure on the state.

Sukhu argued that if the state had continued receiving this financial support, its economic condition would have been much stronger. According to him, the funds were part of the state’s rightful share meant to help manage expenses and development needs.

The chief minister said that during the previous BJP government’s five-year tenure in the state, Himachal Pradesh received around ₹54,000 crore as RDG and another ₹16,000 crore as compensation related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

He claimed that if proper financial discipline had been maintained during that period, the state’s total debt could have been reduced significantly.

“If I had received ₹70,000 crore, Himachal would be debt-free today,” Sukhu said while highlighting the financial challenges currently faced by the government.

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The chief minister also spoke about the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which has been an important issue for government employees. Sukhu repeated that the OPS would not be discontinued in Himachal Pradesh under his government.

He reminded the audience that the Congress government had restored the scheme in its very first cabinet meeting after coming to power.

Sukhu said the decision to restore the pension scheme was not taken for political reasons but was aimed at protecting the interests of government employees.

“As the son of a government employee, I understand the concerns of workers,” he said. He assured that the state government would continue to safeguard the rights of employees and work toward clearing pending arrears despite financial challenges.

At the same time, Sukhu warned that if the BJP returns to power in the state, the Old Pension Scheme might be discontinued again.

New healthcare facility and other announcements

During his visit to Mandi district, Sukhu also inaugurated a robotic surgery facility at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Nerchowk. The facility has been established at a cost of about ₹28.44 crore and is expected to improve advanced medical treatment in the region.

With this development, Nerchowk Medical College has become the third medical institution in Himachal Pradesh to offer robotic surgery. The other two facilities are located at Atal Super Speciality Hospital in Chamiyana in Shimla and Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda in Kangra district.

The chief minister also watched the first surgery performed using the new robotic system at the medical college.

Sukhu said the government is committed to strengthening healthcare services in the state. He announced that a new cardiology department will also be established at the Nerchowk Medical College.

In addition, the government plans to introduce postgraduate (PG) medical courses in all departments of the institution. Sukhu explained that some departments currently lack the required number of professors to start these courses.

To address this issue, the government will provide a one-time relaxation in rules so that PG courses can begin without delay. The state will also increase the number of senior residency posts to support medical education and hospital services.

The chief minister also spoke about the government’s strict stand against corruption and drug trafficking. He said authorities have prepared a list of individuals involved in corruption and warned that they would face legal action.

Sukhu also issued a strong warning against those involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly the trafficking of “chitta,” a term commonly used for heroin in the region.

He said no person involved in such activities would be spared. Government employees found involved in drug trafficking would be dismissed from service, he added.

In addition, the properties of individuals involved in the drug trade would be demolished as part of strict enforcement measures.

Separately, Sukhu said he has asked officials to submit a report regarding the cutting of hundreds of trees in the Shillai area of Sirmaur district. The chief minister said he came across reports about the issue on social media and immediately directed the concerned department to investigate.

According to Sukhu, the location where the trees were cut is far from the main road and has no proper road connection.

Meanwhile, environmental activist Nathuram Chauhan has alleged that illegal tree cutting and mining activities are taking place in the area on a large scale.

Chauhan also claimed that such activities are happening with political support, an allegation that has added to the controversy surrounding the issue.

The chief minister said the government will examine the matter carefully and take appropriate action once the report is submitted.