"BJP's effort to destabilize Himachal govt will fail": Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 4 : Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of conspiring to destabilize the Congress-led government in the state.
Agnihotri vowed to fulfil all promises made in the party's manifesto and complete the government's five-year tenure despite political and financial hurdles.
"The BJP has been divided into two groups: BJP-O (Original BJP) and BJP-C (BJP members who migrated from Congress). They are relentlessly trying to create political instability and financial distress in the state. However, all their efforts are failing," said Agnihotri.
When asked about Rahul Gandhi being stopped from visiting the violence-hit Sambhal area of Uttar Pradesh, Agnihotri said, "Despite all efforts you can't stop Rahul Gandhi from visiting any part of India."
Highlighting the achievements of the Congress government as it completes two years in power, Agnihotri announced a celebratory program in Bilaspur. He detailed the government's accomplishments, including the launch of development projects and the successful implementation of welfare schemes.
"Our government is committed to fulfilling every guarantee. We implemented the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), benefitting over 1,36,000 employees, a promise the BJP and even the Prime Minister were unwilling to address," he stated.
Agnihotri further added that the Congress government has provided over 10,000 jobs in just two years, surpassing the previous BJP regime's record during their five-year term. The state also waived Rs14 crore in water bill arrears and continues to offer a 50% subsidy on bus fares for women.
The Deputy CM accused the Union government of discriminating against Himachal Pradesh by withholding critical funds and imposing financial restrictions.
"They have cut Rs 2,000 crore from state funds, denied us disaster relief while other states received it, and imposed a Rs 6,200 crore loan limit. Even the Revenue Deficit Grant and GST compensation have been stopped. The Bhakra Beas Management Board funds remain pending despite a Supreme Court verdict," he alleged.
Agnihotri criticized the BJP MPs from Himachal Pradesh for failing to represent the state's interests. "The seven BJP MPs--four in Lok Sabha and three in Rajya Sabha--have failed miserably. Instead of supporting Himachal, they are working against the state's development," he added.
Refuting BJP's claims of underperformance, Agnihotri highlighted key infrastructure projects, including the Shimla and Mandi ropeways and the expansion of the Kangra Airport with an allocation of Rs 3,400 crore.
"We are launching e-buses and e-taxis on December 11, working on solar power projects for the first time, and funding medical colleges to enhance healthcare. Despite no financial support from the Centre, we are executing mega projects through the state budget," he said.
Agnihotri criticized the BJP for spreading misinformation to mislead the public. "They are tarnishing Himachal's image and conspiring against our progress. Their claims about unpaid HRTC salaries and pensions are baseless. We are clearing pending dues and overtime payments from the BJP's tenure," he asserted.
He also dismissed allegations about Congress's internal conflicts, referring to the BJP's "Operation Lotus," which failed to destabilize the state government. "Despite their repeated attempts, the BJP cannot harm our government. We are united and ready to counter any conspiracy," he affirmed.
Reiterating his commitment to the welfare of the people, Agnihotri assured that the Congress government would continue its pro-people policies. He announced plans to mobilize more resources, create additional employment opportunities, and enhance public infrastructure.
"We are prioritizing the state's interests and will expose the BJP's lies. Whatever efforts they make, they will not succeed. Instead, their baseless campaigns will only strengthen our resolve and increase our majority from 40 to 45 MLAs in the next election," he said.
Agnihotri emphasized the government's welfare agenda, highlighting subsidies, employment initiatives, and infrastructure projects as core priorities. "To serve the poor and ensure development remains our top agenda. The Congress government is here to deliver on its commitments," he declared.