Sirmour, May 12: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Himachal Pradesh government over deteriorating law and order and alleged administrative failures in rural development, with senior leaders accusing the Congress regime of shielding mafia elements and diverting attention from governance issues.
BJP state president Dr. Rajeev Bindal termed the recent sword attack on a father-son duo in Sirmaur district’s Kolar area as “horrific” and said the incident reflected the “complete collapse” of law and order in the state. He alleged that criminals and members of the “tipper mafia” were operating fearlessly under political patronage.
Referring to the attack near the Kala Amb–Paonta Sahib highway, Bindal claimed that overloaded tippers and illegal mining activities had made life difficult for residents in the region. He demanded the arrest of all accused within 24 hours and warned of public protests if strict action was not taken.
“The way armed assailants attacked shopkeepers with sharp weapons points to a dangerous rise in organised violence. Himachal, known for peace, is being pushed towards fear and chaos,” he said.
The BJP leader further alleged that illegal overloading, mining and unregistered vehicle operations were flourishing with political protection, while the administration remained a “mute spectator”.
In a separate statement, BJP chief spokesperson Rakesh Jamwal criticised Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh for targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead of addressing issues related to rural governance.
Jamwal accused the state government of attempting to hide its failures by making political remarks against the Prime Minister. He claimed that development works in villages had slowed down, payments for panchayat-level projects were pending and several rural infrastructure schemes remained incomplete.
He also highlighted various centrally sponsored schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, claiming that the Centre had provided unprecedented support to Himachal Pradesh under Modi’s leadership.
“The Congress government should explain what major initiative it has launched on its own while unemployment, stalled development works and public dissatisfaction continue to rise,” Jamwal said.
The ruling Congress government has not yet responded to the allegations.
