Shimla June 5
The BJP has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over his alleged remarks regarding elected Zila Parishad and Block Development Committee (BDC) members, describing the statement as an insult to democracy, Panchayati Raj institutions, and the mandate of the people.
BJP leaders said the Chief Minister’s comments expose an “arrogant mindset” and a lack of respect for grassroots democracy. They argued that elected Zila Parishad and BDC representatives are not individuals with “one-day value,” but public representatives chosen by thousands of voters across Himachal Pradesh.
“The Chief Minister has insulted not only elected representatives but also the lakhs of voters who exercised their democratic right and placed their trust in them,” BJP leaders said.
The party alleged that Sukhu’s remarks stem from frustration over the Congress party’s poor performance in Panchayati Raj elections, where a large majority of winning candidates were reportedly backed by the BJP. According to BJP leaders, Congress failed to officially field candidates in many areas because it feared defeat and was aware of growing public dissatisfaction with the state government’s performance and its unfulfilled guarantees.
They further claimed that the Chief Minister’s statement reflects the growing disconnect between the Congress government and the people of Himachal Pradesh. “When ministers and legislators within the government are themselves struggling for relevance and coordination, the Chief Minister has no moral authority to belittle elected representatives who have secured the people’s mandate,” they said.
BJP leaders reminded Sukhu that he himself reached the post of Chief Minister through the democratic process and should therefore uphold the dignity of every elected institution. They demanded an immediate withdrawal of the statement and a public apology to all elected Zila Parishad and BDC members.
“If the Chief Minister fails to retract his remarks and apologize, the BJP will launch a statewide movement against this insult to democratic values and Panchayati Raj institutions,” the party warned.
