Shimla, Feb 5,
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu adopted a conciliatory approach towards opposition BJP MLAs, even as they boycotted the crucial MLA priority meeting in Shimla. The two-day meeting, aimed at discussing and finalizing development schemes for the upcoming financial year, saw no participation from BJP legislators, who abstained following the directive of their leader, Jai Ram Thakur. Despite their absence, CM Sukhu seems to have assured that development projects and funds would be allocated fairly across all constituencies, including those represented by BJP MLAs, reaffirming his stance against vendetta politics.
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Addressing the media, Sukhu expressed disappointment over the opposition’s absence but noted that nearly half of the BJP MLAs had initially expressed interest in attending before being directed otherwise. He highlighted his government’s commitment to inclusive development, revealing that a significant number of NABARD-funded projects had already been allocated to BJP constituencies. The Chief Minister announced that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) worth Rs 1863 crore for various projects in BJP-held constituencies had been submitted to NABARD for approval, with 62 DPRs worth Rs 421 crore already sanctioned.
Responding to allegations by Jai Ram Thakur that opposition MLAs were being sidelined in development planning, a state government spokesperson dismissed the claims, asserting that the present administration had consistently prioritized projects for all constituencies. It was clarified that most opposition MLAs had utilized their allocated funds over the past two years, reaching the maximum limit set for their respective constituencies.
The BJP MLAs’ decision to boycott the meeting has raised concerns about their willingness to engage in the state’s development process. However, Sukhu’s decision to move forward with projects in BJP-held areas despite the boycott has been seen as a politically mature stance. Whether this inclusive approach fosters better cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties or deepens political divides remains to be seen.
