Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s media adviser Naresh Chauhan has hit back at the BJP following Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Shimla and his criticism of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh. Chauhan said the BJP had no concrete issues against the Sukhu government, forcing it to bring the Assam Chief Minister to Shimla instead of relying on its own leaders.
Describing Himachal Pradesh as a peaceful state with an educated population, Chauhan said attempts to divide society and disturb the political atmosphere would not succeed. He alleged that the BJP was trying to organise parallel protests by providing large flags to its workers to weaken the movement aimed at protecting democracy.
Chauhan said Himachal Pradesh was known as Devbhoomi and was an important tourist destination. He welcomed Sarma in his capacity as a Chief Minister but questioned the purpose of bringing him to Shimla. He said Sarma should have focused on the situation in Manipur rather than visiting Himachal Pradesh. Chauhan also referred to reports about Chinese activities linked to Arunachal Pradesh and said BJP leaders should pay attention to such serious issues.
Chauhan Highlights Sukhu Government’s Priorities
Praising Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s approach, Chauhan said the state government was working with honesty and commitment to protect Himachal Pradesh’s interests. He said the government’s priorities included strengthening the rural economy, improving healthcare and education facilities, securing the state’s share in power projects, and protecting young people from drug abuse.
Questions BJP Over Rs 1,500 Crore Disaster Relief
Chauhan also questioned the BJP’s role during the natural disaster in Himachal Pradesh. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Rs 1,500 crore in assistance during his visit to Dharamshala, Chauhan asked why the amount had not reached the state. He demanded an explanation from BJP MPs and other party leaders.
He also sought clarity from the BJP on issues involving nearly Rs 8,000 crore linked to Himachal Pradesh’s rights. Chauhan said the state government was fighting to secure Himachal Pradesh’s share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and protect its rights in power projects.
Himanta Sarma Had Criticised Sukhu Government
On Sunday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended a BJP foot march in Shimla, where he targeted the Sukhu government and the Congress. Sarma accused the state government of misleading the public, failing to fulfil its electoral guarantees and making false promises to people. He also predicted a change of government in Himachal Pradesh next year, saying the BJP would have a Chief Minister in the state.
BJP Alleges Misuse of Government Helicopter and HRTC Buses
Meanwhile, BJP state media in-charge and MLA Randhir Sharma accused the Congress of misusing government resources for its rally in Delhi. Sharma alleged that a government helicopter and around 200 Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses were used for the political event.
He said the state was already facing an economic crisis and accused the Congress of placing an additional financial burden on the government through its political programmes. According to Sharma, sending the buses to Delhi affected around 200 routes across Himachal Pradesh, causing inconvenience to passengers, students, employees and residents of rural areas. He demanded that the government make public the expenditure incurred on bus rentals and government helicopter trips.
BJP Seeks Details of Himachal Bhawan and Sadan Bookings
Sharma also alleged that Himachal Bhawan and Himachal Sadan in Delhi were used for Congress political activities. He questioned how many rooms were booked at the two properties and who paid for their use. The BJP leader demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged political use of the government helicopter, HRTC buses and government premises. He also called on the state government to disclose the expenses incurred.
