Hamirpur, 19 February.
Senior BJP spokesperson and former Sujanpur MLA Rajendra Rana launched a scathing attack on the state government over Himachal Pradesh’s deteriorating financial situation. He alleged that due to fiscal mismanagement, the current government is continuously imposing new taxes on the public, directly impacting people’s pockets, while the government’s financial health is steadily weakening.
In a statement issued here today, Rajendra Rana said that despite the state’s hydropower generation potential of approximately 25,000 MW, the government has only been able to advance projects totaling approximately 11,000 MW. He alleged that investor interest in new power projects has declined over the past three years, primarily due to the government’s changed policies and heavy tax regime. He said that due to policy instability, investors are avoiding Himachal, resulting in significant revenue losses for the state.
He said that Himachal Pradesh, once a leader in tourism, is now experiencing a significant investment climate crisis. Decisions such as the Himachal Tourism Corporation’s planned transfer of profitable hotels to private hands and the increase in homestay registration fees are harming local residents and the tourism industry.
Rana alleged that increasing restrictions in the tourism sector, agent system and alleged corruption are also causing investors to turn to other states.
Speaking on the industrial sector, Rajendra Rana said that government policies have failed to create a conducive environment for industry. He also questioned the government’s role in important projects like the Bulk Drug Park, saying that there are complaints of alleged brokerage and pressure in the industrial permitting process, which is causing industrialists to consider it safer to invest in other states rather than Himachal.
Rana claimed that the state’s financial situation had become dire, with Himachal Pradesh racking up debts of approximately ₹40,000 crore, while contractors owed nearly ₹10,000 crore. He also accused the government of favoritism and financial irregularities, citing cases involving the Kangra Cooperative Bank and Baghat Bank.
He said that the power of the state is in the hands of such a leadership whose working style is being seen as stubborn and failed administration, and the public is hoping to get rid of such a government in the future.
