BJP Chief Rajeev Bindal Targets Sukhu Government
Shimla,23 September
Himachal Pradesh BJP president Dr Rajeev Bindal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, alleging that while the state’s common people are facing rising debt, taxes and living costs, crores of rupees are being spent on lavish offices, vehicles and residences for the Chief Minister and ministers.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Bindal said the journey that began with an Alto car had now reached “luxurious vehicles, offices and residences”, while ordinary people were being burdened with higher costs and reduced concessions. He described the contrast as the “real picture” of the Congress government’s promised Vyavastha Parivartan.
Bindal alleged that relief available to the public had been gradually reduced, citing changes in electricity subsidies, the imposition of various electricity-related cess, and changes in stamp duty and concessions linked to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation. At the same time, he questioned the expenditure on expensive and heavily equipped offices for those in power.
He also questioned the government’s decision to charge ₹10 for an outpatient registration slip at government hospitals, saying it was particularly difficult for poor patients. He raised concerns over issues being faced by patients and hospitals under the Himcare health insurance scheme and alleged that the government was prioritising its own facilities over public welfare.
The BJP state president further highlighted the concerns of pensioners over pending dues and timely pension payments, while alleging that unemployed youth were still waiting for jobs promised by the Congress before the elections. He also referred to demands being raised by women over election promises and said families were facing increasing expenses related to electricity, water, transport and healthcare.
Bindal criticised the closure and merger of schools, particularly in rural areas, saying the decisions had raised concerns about access to education. He also questioned the reported closure of a National Highway-related division and eight sub-divisions, arguing that such offices played an important role in road construction, maintenance and regional development.
He asked the government to explain how the closure of these offices would affect road projects and people in the areas concerned.
“Money is not available for relief to poor people, Himcare or development offices, but crores are available for the comfort of those in power and lavish offices—is this what Vyavastha Parivartan means?” Bindal said.
He called on the Congress government to review its priorities and said public resources should primarily serve the people, including the poor, farmers, employees, pensioners, women and unemployed youth.
Bindal said the contrast between the Chief Minister’s earlier political journey and the facilities available to the government today was visible to the people. He added that the public would assess the government’s decisions and expenditure and make its choice in the next Assembly election.
