Will meet PM Modi today, raise higher royalty issue, says Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu

Shimla, July 15

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to raise Himachal’s legitimate rights, including higher royalty in the hydel power projects signed by the previous BJP regime.

Talking to media persons here today, he said the previous BJP regime failed to protect the interest of Himachal while signing the agreement for the hydel projects. He added that he would raise all issues concerning Himachal with PM Narendra Modi. “The previous BJP regime surrendered 12 per cent free royalty that the state gets in power projects against the interest of the government,” said Sukhu.

“We are still awaiting the grant of Rs 4,300 crore from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and over Rs 9,000 crore which is our legitimate right as per the post disaster need assessment (PDNA),” said Sukhu. He said he would raise all these issues with the Prime Minister.

Sukhu said Jai Ram Thakur was responsible for the political conspiracy hatched to topple the Congress government in Himachal. “The verdict by the electorate has sent a loud and clear signal that party hoppers will be rejected. People want that a government elected by them should complete its term and have rejected attempts to destabilise a democratically elected government,” he said.

He said Congress vote bank had increased by 14 per cent in the Lok Sabha elections though we lost all four parliamentary seats. “There must have been reasons for the defeat which the AICC committee will look into. We gave good candidates and gave a good fight,” he said. He denied delay in finalisation of candidates for the Lok Sabha seats.

Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri said “The three Independent MLAs must reveal to the public as to what were the compelling reasons for them to resign from the Vidhan Sabha and force bypolls.