BJP ignoring issues affecting common man, says Kewal Singh Pathania

During a press conference in Dharamsala, Kewal Singh Pathania, Shahpur MLA and Chief Whip of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, outlined key achievements of the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government. Pathania emphasised the administration’s efforts to fulfill electoral promises and criticised the opposition BJP for, as he described, ignoring issues affecting the common man.

Pathania pointed out that despite the BJP’s significant voter base in the state, which secured all four MP seats, the party has not supported the state government’s relief efforts following recent disasters. Instead, he alleged, the BJP has attempted to destabilise the government rather than securing central aid packages for disaster relief.

Pathania criticised the previous BJP administration’s inability to secure adequate funds from the Centre, despite the “double engine government” narrative when both the state and central governments were led by the BJP. He also highlighted the delay in the return of Rs 9,000 crore in OPS funds from the center to Himachal Pradesh. Pathania noted the support of former BJP Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, who endorsed the current government’s efforts to reclaim the Shanan project from Punjab after the contractual period ended.

Pathania highlighted that five of the Congress government’s 10 promised initiatives have been implemented. These include introducing English at the primary level in government schools, providing Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to 285,000 women over 18, and installing solar panels in rural areas. He also discussed increased milk prices to benefit cattle rearers, an additional Rs 480 crore in revenue from revised excise policies, and resource mobilization generating Rs 2,200 crore for state welfare. Further, he mentioned the allocation of Rs 232 crore to enhance tourism at Pong.

Through these initiatives, Pathania emphasised the Sukhu government’s commitment to its promises and the welfare of the people.