Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday stated that Himachal Pradesh would assert its claim for a permanent representative on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), while also demanding the release of over Rs 4,000 crore in pending arrears from the board.
CM asserts state's right to BBMB membership
Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla, Sukhu emphasized that having a member on the BBMB is the rightful entitlement of Himachal Pradesh. He noted that the Chairman of BBMB had sought a meeting with him the previous day, but he was unable to attend. “We will push for our membership in the BBMB,” the Chief Minister affirmed.
Pending arrears and interstate negotiations
Sukhu also addressed the long-pending dues from the BBMB, which amount to more than Rs 4,000 crore. He insisted that the Haryana government must submit an affidavit in the High Court confirming its willingness to pay its share of the arrears at a rate of 7.19 per cent. “Despite the Supreme Court ordering in favour of Himachal, we are still awaiting the grant of this money. We are in talks with Punjab and Rajasthan. I will also personally speak to the Haryana CM,” Sukhu said.
Criticism over paper leak incidents
The Chief Minister expressed concern over recent paper leak incidents, including the NEET exam. He alleged that such leaks have occurred only under the BJP regime, never during the UPA era. Referring to state-level incidents, Sukhu claimed that papers were leaked in Himachal during the previous BJP government, particularly in the Subordinate Selection Board, and no action was taken.
