Not right for Governor to comment on fight against drugs: Himachal CM Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that it did not behove Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to comment on the issue of the fight against drugs as the state government had taken stern steps to check the menace.

“We respect the Governor as he is holding a constitutional post. But he should not have made such a comment. We all must respect the people of Himachal. When I meet him, I will ask in what context he made these remarks,” said Sukhu in an interaction with mediapersons.

The Governor at a press conference at the Raj Bhawan two days ago had expressed his disappointment over the lack of de-addiction centres. He had expressed displeasure over the tardy progress in the setting up of a de-addiction centre.

Sukhu said that his government had taken stern action against the drug menace like no other government in the state had in the past. “Within three months of the formation of our government, we passed a legislation making the NDPS Act more stringent and making a provision for the arrest of those engaged in drug trafficking,” he added.

He said that in a crackdown against the drug mafia, Rs 43 crore worth of properties of persons booked under the NDPA Act had been seized. “We have decided that all 3,575 panchayats will be mapped to identify the endemic areas facing the drug menace. A constable and a head constable each will be deputed for four to five panchayats to check drug trafficking,” he added.

Sukhu said that he would meet the Governor and apprise him about the steps that the state government had taken. A de-addiction centre was being set up at Kotla Bhed, he added.

Asked about the BJP seeking a special relief package for the disaster-hit areas, he said that it was a welcome step but it would have been better had the opposition members had done the same after the 2023 and 2024 monsoon disasters. “It is good that all BJP leaders and MPs under the leadership of national BJP president JP Nadda have sought special financial assistance from the Central Government for disaster-hit areas in Himachal but it would have been better had they done the same after the 2023 devastation,” he added.

Sukhu said the situation in 2023 was worse, as 3,000 houses were totally damaged and 22,000 were partially damaged. The state had announced a package of Rs 4,500 crore from its own resources.

For BJP, it’s Better late than never

Better late than never. I am glad that they have now sought a special package that will help in giving relief and undertaking restoration work on a war footing. Sukhvinder Sukhu, Chief Minister