Shimla, April 3:
The BJP on Friday sharpened its attack on the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, alleging deep-rooted corruption and administrative failure, while demanding a High Court-monitored probe into the controversial Chester Hill land case.
Addressing a press conference, BJP MLA and spokesperson Randhir Sharma questioned Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s silence, calling it “deeply troubling” amid serious allegations surfacing from within the प्रशासन itself.
Sharma said the Chester Hill controversy in Solan has exposed cracks in governance, pointing out that an Acting Chief Secretary publicly defending himself was “unprecedented” and indicative that “something is seriously wrong at the top.”
He alleged that the government was shielding tainted officials and promoting a “commission culture,” where contractor payments are influenced by alleged kickbacks.
Entry Tax Row Sparks Confusion
Targeting the government over the revised entry tax, Sharma accused it of misleading the Assembly.
He said conflicting decisions led to chaos at state borders on April 1, with varying rates being charged, triggering public outrage.
The ₹100 tax on private vehicles, he added, would hurt tourism, traders, and transporters.
Panchayat Poll ‘Manipulation’ Charge
The BJP leader also accused the government of attempting to manipulate Panchayati Raj elections by issuing a backdated notification allowing changes in reservation rosters.
Calling it a violation of constitutional provisions, he alleged the move was aimed at delaying polls due to fear of defeat.
‘Directionless Budget’
Sharma termed the state budget “visionless,” citing rising debt, fiscal deficit, and declining development spending. “Self-reliant Himachal is only on paper,” he said.
Statewide Protests Announced
Demanding a probe under a sitting High Court judge, Sharma said only an impartial investigation would bring out the truth.
He announced statewide BJP protests from April 8 to 11 across all 68 Assembly constituencies against what he called corruption and anti-people policies of the government.
