Opposition slams Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu for skipping NITI Aayog meeting

Shimla, July 28

Opposition yesterday hit out at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for skipping the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi at the cost of Himachal’s interest.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said it was unfortunate that despite being in Delhi Chief Minister did not attend the meeting. “When it comes to protecting the state’s interest, politics should be kept aside,” said Thakur. He said since all political parties of INDIA bloc decided to skip the NITI Aayog meeting, the Chief Minister also missed it at the cost of state’s interest.

“This was the occasion when the Chief Minister could have raised this demand of more funds for Himachal effectively before the Prime Minister and Finance Minister,” he said. He added that for a small state like Himachal, it was very important to maintain cordial relations with the Centre and get whatever help possible. He said the CM should have sought money for restoring damaged roads and bridges, which have still not been repaired since last monsoons.

State BJP president Rajeev Bindal said Chief Minister’s absence from the meeting amounts to compromising the interest of Himachal. “His absence from the meeting is painful and an injustice with the people of the state,” he remarked.