Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has retaliated against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following the latter’s attacks during a BJP rally in Shimla. Responding to Sarma’s claim that the BJP would form the government in Himachal Pradesh in 2027, Sukhu asserted that the Congress is certain to return to power.
During the BJP’s ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ rally on Sunday, the Assam Chief Minister had mentioned attending the next oath-taking ceremony in the state. Sukhu stated that when Congress forms the government again, chief ministers of all states, including Assam, will be invited to the ceremony.
BJP Divided into Five Factions
Targeting the opposition, CM Sukhu claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party in Himachal Pradesh is split into five factions. He said the party had to bring in Himanta Biswa Sarma just to unite these factions.
Sukhu predicted that the BJP would win even fewer seats in the next assembly elections than it currently holds. He added that 16 BJP MLAs are not in a position to win reelection, and the truth of his claim will be clear once the results are declared.
EVMs and Economic Challenges
Addressing questions surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Sukhu noted that the assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh took place in 2022, while questions regarding EVMs were raised after 2024. He emphasized the need to understand these issues based on facts and timeline.
The Chief Minister also highlighted his administration’s handling of the state’s economy despite financial constraints. He stated that the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which the state received for the last 75 years, has been discontinued, leading to a shortfall of nearly Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore.
Comparing state management to running a household, Sukhu explained that if a family earning Rs 50,000 or Rs 1,000,000 monthly faces a cut of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, it must rebalance its budget. He claimed that despite the stoppage of RDG, the state government managed the financial situation and released a 5 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) to employees. Sukhu added that the previous BJP government could not have handled such a challenge even with central assistance.
Protecting State Wealth and Opposition Rally
Sukhu reiterated his commitment to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant through its policy of “Vyavastha Parivartan” (systemic change). He stressed that the state’s resources must be protected and properly utilized, affirming that his government will neither loot nor allow anyone to loot state wealth.
Referring to the opposition rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, Sukhu stated that raising the public’s voice is the duty of the opposition. He expressed happiness over the large turnout, including people from Himachal Pradesh, addressing issues related to democracy and electoral rolls. Sukhu accused the opposition of alleged manipulation through SIR and stated that national leader Rahul Gandhi is raising his voice to stop it.
