Himachal CM Alleges Financial Pressure from Centre
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made significant allegations against the central government during a public gathering at Karsai in Nadaun, claiming that financial restrictions were imposed after his administration fulfilled its promise of restoring the old pension scheme for state employees.
The Chief Minister, addressing supporters in his home district of Hamirpur on Saturday, didn't hold back in his criticism of the Centre's approach toward the hill state following the implementation of the popular pension scheme.
Political Battle Intensifies in Himachal
Sukhu also launched a direct attack on his predecessor and current Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, accusing the former BJP chief minister of neglecting Hamirpur district during his tenure. He pointed out that despite having three MLAs from the area, none were included in the Cabinet during Thakur's administration.
In a swift counter-attack, Thakur dismissed Sukhu's claims as fabricated narratives designed to cover up his government's failures. The opposition leader specifically criticized the current administration for dismantling the HIMCARE health insurance scheme, which he described as a noble initiative of the previous BJP government.
Development Projects Announced for Nadaun
Amid the political exchanges, Chief Minister Sukhu announced several development initiatives for the Nadaun region. He confirmed the opening of a patwar circle and health sub-centre at Manjheli in Nadaun, along with substantial financial allocations for local development.
The announced projects include:
- Grant of Rs 1 lakh and 100 chairs for Mahila Mandals
- Rs 10 lakh earmarked for construction of each Mahila Mandal Bhawan
- Rs 50 lakh already sanctioned for road improvements in Manjheli Panchayat
- Foundation stone laid for Karsai Primary Health Centre costing Rs 2.04 crore
Sukhu also highlighted the progress on the state's first indoor stadium worth Rs 120 crore, which will feature a swimming pool, shooting range, and infrastructure for 17 different sports. Additional land acquisition is planned for developing football and hockey stadiums in the region.
Healthcare and Education Reforms Highlighted
The Chief Minister emphasized his government's achievements in reforming key sectors, noting that Himachal Pradesh has risen from 21st to 5th position in the national education index. In healthcare, he announced the upgrading of 20-year-old medical equipment with advanced machines comparable to those at AIIMS Delhi.
Refuting claims by BJP MP Anurag Thakur regarding the establishment of Hamirpur Medical College, Sukhu clarified that the project was actually sanctioned by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with an allocation of Rs 190 crore. He asserted that while the BJP government only laid the foundation stone, his administration had allocated an additional Rs 400 crore from state resources to complete the construction.
Expressing emotional connection with his hometown, Sukhu recalled his childhood in Manjheli and assured residents that there would be no delays in Nadaun's development. He thanked the people of Nadaun for their unwavering support over the past 23 years of his political career.
