Himachal Pradesh: BJP accuses Sukhu government of financial mismanagement, stalling development work

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 9 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh has slammed the Congress-led state government, accusing it of halting development and mismanaging the state's finances.
During a press conference in Shimla, state BJP Chief Dr Rajiv Bindal criticised Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's government for its handling of the state's economic situation.
Dr Bindal claimed that while the government seemed to have abundant funds during the election period, it quickly began lamenting financial troubles once the elections concluded. He stated that since Congress took office, it has only added to the burdens faced by ordinary citizens.
He pointed out that one of the government's first actions was to shut down 1,100 government institutions. Following this, the administration raised the VAT on diesel by seven rupees, resulting in a massive collection of Rs 2,500 crores from the public in just a year and a half. Additional financial pressures were imposed through increased prices of revenue stamps and a 19 percent hike in the cess on electricity, which Dr Bindal argued led to the migration of industries out of the state, further impacting the livelihood of its residents.
Dr Bindal expressed concern that every section of society is being affected by the government's policies. He highlighted recent price increases in essential goods, such as a Rs 13 per litre hike in edible oil prices at government depots, and a surge in the cost of pulses. He also criticised the Congress government's decision to eliminate free water facilities in rural areas, a move that will see rural residents now being charged per tap, which he claims will disproportionately hurt the poor and farmers.
"The development has come to a standstill under this government," Dr Bindal asserted, adding that despite the Sukhu government taking a loan of Rs 30,000 crores, the state treasury remains depleted.
The BJP has called for a reversal of these policies, urging the government to focus on reducing the financial strain on citizens and reviving the state's development projects.