Shimla, Dec 11
During a public rally in Bilaspur marking the second anniversary of the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, Congress leader Rajesh Dharmani launched a sharp attack on BJP President JP Nadda, accusing him of sidelining Himachal Pradesh’s interests in national policymaking.
Addressing the crowd in Nadda’s home constituency, Dharmani criticized the central government for neglecting the development needs of Himachal, despite having a Union Minister and the BJP national president from the state. He claimed that the large turnout at the event reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the Modi-led government’s lack of attention towards the region.
Dharmani pointed out that despite Nadda’s leadership role, Bilaspur and the state had not received significant projects or financial aid, leaving many regional development needs unmet. He highlighted the contrast by showcasing the efforts of the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government in Bilaspur, including notable financial aid and welfare schemes benefiting the region.
The Congress leader mentioned the allocation of ₹1,292 crore for the Shuva project, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and public services in the state. He also lauded the Sukh Ashray Yojna, a scheme aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens, which has been crucial in uplifting marginalized communities.
Dharmani also criticized Nadda for not adequately advocating for Bilaspur’s needs in Delhi, specifically referring to the launch of the E-Taxi Scheme, which he felt lacked sufficient national attention. He also highlighted the ₹55 per liter milk price for producers, which he described as a step towards bolstering the agricultural economy and ensuring fair compensation for farmers.
Addressing the political dynamics, Dharmani took aim at “Operation Lotus,” the BJP’s attempts to destabilize the state government, claiming that the people of Himachal had firmly rejected such efforts, signaling their discontent with the central government’s interference.
The rally’s large turnout, Dharmani claimed, was a clear indicator of the growing disillusionment with the Modi government, even in the BJP’s stronghold. He also highlighted a historic achievement in social welfare: the state government’s decision to recognize orphaned children as “children of the state.” In a groundbreaking initiative, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the adoption of these children, along with a ₹1.90 crore direct financial transfer to support their upbringing.
Further emphasizing the government’s focus on sustainability and the local economy, Dharmani discussed the handover of keys to five electric vehicles as part of the state’s green energy initiatives. This move is aligned with the state’s broader efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation and reduce the carbon footprint.
Additionally, the government launched a new maize flour product, “Him Atta,” directly sourced from local farmers. This initiative aims to support the agricultural sector by facilitating direct procurement and promoting locally grown produce. Another highlight of the event was the unveiling of the fifth guarantee of the state government—the procurement of compost manure from milk producers at ₹300 per kilogram, with plans to sell it at ₹1,200 per quintal to farmers. This scheme is designed to enhance soil fertility and offer an additional income source for dairy farmers.
The rally was attended by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, party president Pratibha Singh, several council ministers, and party state in-charge Rajiv Shukla, underlining the state government’s unified approach in addressing local concerns and pushing forward with development initiatives.
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