BJP MP accuses Sukhu government of sidelining BJP MPs and claiming sole credit for Palampur heliport project
Shimla: BJP MP and former Himachal Pradesh BJP president Suresh Kashyap has accused the Congress government of attempting to take political credit for development projects being implemented under the Central Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN. He alleged that the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was focusing more on inaugurations and publicity than on acknowledging the Centre’s contribution to improving air connectivity in the state.
Kashyap said that, according to official figures presented in Parliament, ₹213.52 crore had been allocated for aviation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh under the UDAN scheme up to June 2024, of which ₹160.48 crore had been utilised. He further stated that by February 2026, a cumulative 38 regional air routes had been operationalised, connecting four heliports under the scheme. He said these figures reflected the Central Government’s efforts to improve air connectivity, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Questioning the state government’s approach, Kashyap asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government were not being given due recognition during inauguration ceremonies for projects supported under central schemes. He alleged that BJP Members of Parliament were also being sidelined during such events, with their names and participation overlooked. According to him, elected representatives should not be excluded from public development programmes on political grounds.
Referring to the Palampur heliport project, Kashyap said the project had been identified under the Centre’s UDAN scheme and that development-related tenders had been issued, although regular helicopter services had yet to commence. He alleged that the Congress government was attempting to project the heliport as an achievement solely of the state government without adequately acknowledging the Centre’s role or recognising elected BJP representatives.
Kashyap demanded that Chief Minister Sukhu disclose the respective financial contributions of the Centre and the state government towards the Palampur heliport and other heliport projects. He also sought details of the funds sanctioned, expenditure incurred and progress of construction to ensure transparency and accountability.
The BJP MP further demanded that the Centre’s contribution be prominently acknowledged during inauguration ceremonies related to UDAN projects and that concerned Members of Parliament be given due invitations and recognition. He urged the state government to focus on completing projects within the stipulated time and ensuring that people benefit from improved air connectivity.
Kashyap concluded by alleging that the Congress government was engaging in politics over development projects rather than giving due credit to the Centre. He said the people of Himachal Pradesh deserved development, transparency and accountability, adding that political publicity should not overshadow the contributions of the Central Government.
