CM’s Constituency Visits Mere Political Drama; Last-Minute Announcements Will Not Save Congress Government: Randhir Sharma
Serious Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Disaster Relief Funds; BJP Demands White Paper on Central Assistance
BBMB Supreme Court Verdict Result of Collective Efforts of Successive Governments; CM Must Stop Claiming Exclusive Credit
Shimla, November 6: BJP State Media In-charge and Shri Naina Devi MLA Randhir Sharma launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of indulging in political drama through constituency visits and announcements worth crores of rupees ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Sharma said, “For nearly three years, the Chief Minister had no time for the people of Himachal Pradesh. Now, as elections approach, he has suddenly started visiting constituencies and making grand announcements. The Chief Minister must remember that even last-minute generosity cannot save a government that has lost public confidence.”
Sharma questioned the financial credibility of the Chief Minister’s announcements, alleging that the state government lacks sufficient funds even for basic road repairs, replacement of worn-out HRTC bus tyres, maintenance of Public Works Department machinery and timely release of MLA development funds.
“If the government cannot provide money for essential public services, where will the funds for these multi-crore announcements come from? The Chief Minister must explain the budgetary provisions behind his promises,” Sharma demanded.
He said the BJP had no objection to the Chief Minister wearing traditional attire, participating in local dances or sharing meals with residents. However, he alleged that such activities were being used to divert public attention from the government’s failures.
BJP Alleges Corruption and Diversion of Disaster Relief Funds
Randhir Sharma accused the Congress government of misleading the public about financial assistance provided by the Central Government for disaster relief and reconstruction.
He said that the Centre had extended assistance worth thousands of crores through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF), National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework.
Sharma stated that reconstruction assistance amounting to ₹2,006.40 crore had been approved under PDNA, including a Central share of ₹1,504.80 crore. He claimed that ₹1,053.36 crore had been released in July and December 2025.
“Despite substantial Central assistance, the Congress government continues to accuse the Centre of neglecting Himachal Pradesh. Instead of blaming the Centre, the Chief Minister should explain how the funds received have been utilised,” Sharma said.
He alleged that funds intended for restoring disaster-damaged roads, bridges and drinking water schemes were being diverted from approved works and used to benefit contractors associated with the Congress.
Sharma further alleged political discrimination in the allocation of reconstruction funds, claiming that constituencies represented by BJP MLAs were being neglected while areas represented by Congress ministers and legislators were receiving preferential treatment.
Raising concerns about the tendering process in the Public Works Department, Sharma questioned the reported increase in the offline tender limit from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. He alleged that larger projects were being divided into smaller contracts to avoid competitive tendering.
He also demanded an independent investigation into allegations of payments being made without the execution of corresponding works.
“Disaster relief funds belong to the affected people of Himachal Pradesh. They must not become a source of political patronage or financial irregularities,” Sharma asserted.
The BJP leader demanded that the state government immediately publish a comprehensive white paper detailing the amount received under each disaster relief scheme, dates of release, department-wise allocations, constituency-wise expenditure, names of contractors, works undertaken and payments made.
“If the government has nothing to hide, it should place every rupee of disaster relief expenditure in the public domain,” he said.
Supreme Court’s BBMB Verdict a Victory for Himachal, Not Any Single Government
Welcoming the reported Supreme Court decision concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Sharma said the BJP supported every development that strengthened Himachal Pradesh’s legitimate rights over electricity, financial benefits and its 7.19% share.
He clarified that the detailed implications of the latest judgment could be assessed only after examining the complete order.
Sharma strongly objected to Chief Minister Sukhu’s attempt to claim exclusive credit for the development.
“The BBMB matter has been before the Supreme Court since 1996. Successive governments, irrespective of political affiliation, have pursued Himachal Pradesh’s legitimate interests. The outcome represents the collective efforts of different governments over several decades, not the achievement of one Chief Minister,” Sharma said.
Recalling the contribution of former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, Sharma said that the BJP government had played an important role in securing 12% free power for Himachal Pradesh from hydroelectric projects.
He maintained that the BJP had consistently advocated for the state’s rightful share in its natural resources and would continue to protect Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
Sharma also referred to the Kishau Dam project, alleging that the Congress government had similarly attempted to claim credit for developments resulting from efforts made by successive governments, including the Centre.
BJP Opposes Proposed PPP Transfer of Peterhof
Randhir Sharma also criticised the state government’s reported proposal to hand over the historic Peterhof guest house in Shimla under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He questioned the reported decision to discontinue bookings after November 25 and the proposal to allow a private operator to redevelop the property.
“Peterhof is a valuable public asset of Himachal Pradesh. The government must explain why a functioning and historically significant property is being considered for private redevelopment,” Sharma said.
He expressed concern over reports that other Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation hotels and restaurants could also be transferred to private operators.
Sharma demanded transparency regarding the government’s plans for public properties and opposed any decision that could undermine the state’s long-term interests.
Congress Must Answer for Unfulfilled Guarantees
Turning to the Congress government’s election promises, Sharma questioned the implementation of the ₹1,500 monthly assistance for women, the promise of 300 units of free electricity and employment-related commitments.
He also alleged that more than 2,200 institutions established during the previous BJP government had been closed or de-notified, adversely affecting public services.
“The Chief Minister can continue making announcements and organising political programmes, but the people of Himachal Pradesh deserve answers on unfulfilled guarantees, disaster relief expenditure, development funds and the financial condition of the state,” Sharma said.
Concluding, Randhir Sharma reiterated that the BJP would continue demanding accountability, transparency and an impartial investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
“Political drama cannot replace governance. The Chief Minister must understand that last-minute announcements and generosity cannot erase years of unfulfilled promises. The people of Himachal Pradesh will demand a full account of this government’s actions,” he said.
