Congress has pushed Himachal into debt trap, says BJP state chief Bindal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Rajeev Bindal on Wednesday alleged that the Congress government has pushed Himachal into a severe debt trap and administrative disorder due to wasteful expenditure, rising “mafia activities” and stalled development.

Addressing a press conference here, Bindal claimed that in the past three years the state had slipped into a deep financial, administrative and law-and-order crisis. “The present financial distress is the direct result of mismanagement by the state government. Desperate attempts are now being made to shift the blame on the Central government for not providing financial assistance and to divert public attention,” he said.

“The government is functioning on a ‘borrow and spend’ model. Around 70 advisers, OSDs and special appointees have been appointed. They are drawing hefty salaries, besides the expenditure on vehicles, residences, staff and other perks,” he said.

He also questioned the appointment of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in boards and corporations. Bindal also criticised expenditure on publicity hoardings, image-building campaigns, large vehicle convoys, purchase of new vehicles and frequent helicopter use, alleging that there was no visible austerity despite claims of financial stress.