Union Minister Harsh Malhotra Criticizes Himachal Pradesh Government Over Policy U-Turns

Union minister Harsh Malhotra criticized the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh for reneging on pre-poll promises and discontinuing previous BJP-initiated schemes. He accused the state government of neglecting educational interests and increasing utility costs. Malhotra highlighted central government projects and funds improving Himachal's infrastructure.

Union minister Harsh Malhotra on Wednesday accused the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh of backtracking on promises made to the public during the polls and retracting facilities introduced by the previous BJP dispensation.

Speaking to media persons, the Union minister of state for road transport and highways highlighted the discontinuation of the free drinking water scheme for rural areas, leading to separate monthly water bills for residents. He further alleged that the scheme of providing free electricity up to 125 units, introduced by the previous BJP government, has been revoked, resulting in increased power tariffs for both domestic and industrial consumers.

Malhotra criticized the Himachal Pradesh government for failing to contribute its share of Rs 30 crore required for forest clearance for the north block at the Central University in Dharamshala, despite the central government's allocation of Rs 250 crore for the project. The minister claimed that the Chief Minister's Office has been stalling the file. He also accused the state government of compromising educational interests by leasing land meant for educational institutions to individuals connected to ruling party leaders under the guise of promoting tourism.

Praising central government initiatives in the state, Malhotra highlighted the construction of national highways worth Rs 23,000 crore and the allocation of Rs 2,500 crore for the rural road scheme in this year's Union Budget. He noted that while Himachal Pradesh's economy was gaining strength under the previous BJP government, the current Congress government appears directionless, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu frequently announcing new schemes without concentrating on real development. Earlier, the Union minister visited Dharamshala's Kotwali market and participated in a cleanliness campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)