Opposition politicising CE Negi’s death, says MLA

Accusing the BJP of exploiting the tragic death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi for political gains, Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar stated on Thursday that the state government had taken strict and prompt action in the matter. Addressing the media in Hamirpur, he claimed that the BJP had become a party without direction or issues, resorting to baseless allegations against the Congress-led government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

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Suresh Kumar further criticised the BJP for internal conflicts, asserting that the party was struggling with leadership battles both at the state and national levels. He pointed out that despite multiple announcements, the BJP had failed to appoint a new national or state president, leaving its workers in a state of confusion.

Speaking on the recently presented state Budget, he highlighted an unprecedented revenue increase of over Rs 2,800 crore, crediting CM Sukhu’s vision for controlling corruption and plugging financial leakages in government departments. Calling it a progressive Budget, he emphasised that it included welfare schemes for the weaker sections, provisions for farmers and cattle rearers, and support for natural farming initiatives.

The MLA also mentioned key development projects sanctioned for Hamirpur district, including Rs 3 crore for Sainik School Sujanpur Tihra and an increase in student diet allowances from Rs 10 to Rs 50. He reiterated the government’s commitment to cracking down on the drug menace, stating that organised crime was now the primary challenge. He cited a 25 per cent decline in drug-related crimes and affirmed the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against drug trafficking, which had disrupted major supply chains.

Addressing concerns about the Rs 900 crore loan taken by the state government, Suresh Kumar defended it as a routine financial practice, comparing it to similar borrowings by the central government. He reassured that the Congress government would fulfil its promise of providing 300 units of free electricity, but only to economically weaker sections.