KULLU: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda launched a scathing attack on the Congress government and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday. Addressing a party workers’ convention at the Mela Ground in Patlikuhal, Kullu district, Nadda alleged that nearly four years of Congress rule in Himachal Pradesh have been marked by misgovernance, financial mismanagement, flawed policies, and administrative disorder.
Nadda stated that despite substantial financial assistance from the Central Government, the state administration has failed to utilise funds effectively or complete key development projects within stipulated timelines. He dismissed claims made by Chief Minister Sukhu that Delhi neglects the state, emphasizing that the Narendra Modi-led government has extended massive support across infrastructure, healthcare, railways, highways, and industrial sectors.
“Whenever Chief Minister Sukhu is questioned about development, he blames Delhi. The reality is that the Central Government has provided substantial financial assistance, but the Congress Government has failed to utilise the resources available to it,” Nadda said. He added that the administration had disrupted development activities, closed healthcare and educational institutions, and stalled projects initiated by the previous BJP government.
Healthcare Infrastructure and Central Funds under Scanner
The Union Minister highlighted shortcomings in the execution of centrally sponsored healthcare schemes. He noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the Centre provided approximately ₹360 crore to the state. Out of 15 planned Critical Care Blocks, only one has been completed. Similarly, only one of 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories is finished, and none of the 73 Block Public Health Units are operational.
Nadda also questioned the progress of the Una Bulk Drug Park, noting that the Centre committed ₹1,000 crore and released a ₹225 crore first installment, of which only about ₹12 crore has been utilised due to administrative delays and environmental clearances. Furthermore, he pointed out that under the 15th Finance Commission, Himachal Pradesh received approximately ₹521 crore for healthcare development, but has only utilised around 52 percent of the amount.
Addressing major central initiatives, Nadda noted that over ₹1,400 crore was invested in AIIMS Bilaspur, alongside ₹200 crore for the Chamiyana Super Speciality Hospital in Shimla and a ₹1,422 crore JICA healthcare project. He also mentioned the recent agreement on the ₹15,624 crore Kishau Multipurpose Project achieved under Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 15, 2026.
Local Body Elections and 2027 Assembly Polls
Praising BJP-supported candidates and party workers for their performance in recent local body elections, Nadda cited victories in municipal wards across Dharamshala and Mandi, alongside 190 out of 251 Zila Parishad seats. He stated that these results reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the Congress government and boosted party morale ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Concluding his address, Nadda congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of continuous government leadership since taking office as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He lauded the Prime Minister’s focus on national development, welfare delivery, economic growth, and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The convention was attended by former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, former Minister Govind Singh Thakur, MLAs Surender Shourie and Lokender Kumar, BJP District President Amit Sood, and other senior party leaders and representatives.
