Cong MLA takes on CM over IPH subdivision shifting

Blurb — A new subdivision should be created in Bajaura: Sunder

Abhinav Vashisht

KULLU, AUGUST 17

Kullu Sadar MLA Sunder Singh Thakur has said the Chief Minister should have asked people of his own party before announcing to shift the IPH subdivision from Shamshi to Bajaura.

In a video clip on social media today, he said the areas of Khokhan, Bhuin and Manikaran are under Shamshi and it was an immature decision to shift the subdivision without consulting the masses.

The MLA said a new subdivision should be created in Bajaura for people of panchayats of Garsa, Neul and Bajaura falling in Banjar. He said even BJP’s Maheshwar Singh, who had contested the last Assembly elections, was not approached on the matter. He had publicly opposed the decision. There was chaos in the party and such decisions depicted the lack of experience of the present government.

The MLA alleged that Banjar MLA was encouraging regionalism and it seemed that everything was not smooth in the BJP. He said, “We will fight with the government to ensure the protection of the rights of the region.”

Even earlier, the PWD project implementation unit was shifted from the Lug valley to Bajaura and the PWD subdivision was shifted from Bhuntar to Bajaura. He alleged that the budget for various schemes under the MLA priority was being diverted to other areas.

He said, “We will not let injustice happen in the region and preparations are being done for an agitation and it will be ensured that the government does justice with the region.”

Meanwhile, during a press conference, Banjar MLA Surender Shourie said there was some misinformation regarding the CM’s announcement of shifting of the IPH subdivision at Shamshi. A new subdivision would be made at Bajaura for 16 panchayats. People of Shamshi need not come to Bajaura.

He said it was decided that every constituency would have their own divisions of the PWD and the IPH and thus the IPH division was shifted to Largi from Shamshi.

He added that small sections would result in more development. The IPH authorities had made the proposal and it was discussed with the IPH Minister. There was no requirement of protests or politics over the matter as it would be beneficial to masses of both Kullu and Banjar.