BJP Slams Sukhu Government Over Lottery Decision, Announces Protest in Mandi on August 6

Shimla, August 1:
The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to reintroduce lotteries has sparked political uproar, with the BJP strongly opposing the move. State BJP President Dr. Rajeev Bindal announced that the party will hold a protest in Mandi on August 6 against what it calls an anti-people decision by the Congress-led government.

Addressing the media in Shimla, Dr. Bindal criticized the state government, accusing it of betraying the youth. “The Congress came to power promising jobs, but now they are pushing people toward buying and selling lottery tickets,” he said. He added sarcastically, “While the world moves forward with technology and innovation, Himachal is being dragged back into the lottery era. This decision is nothing less than a new form of addiction being promoted by the government.”

Dr. Bindal recalled that during the tenures of former Chief Ministers Virbhadra Singh and Prem Kumar Dhumal, lotteries were discontinued in the state because of their devastating impact on families. “Today’s Congress government is willing to jeopardize people’s financial well-being again, just to earn a few extra crores,” he said.

He also alleged that liquor shops are being operated illegally on highway and PWD lands, and that the government is now even considering the legalization of cannabis — steps he said are promoting a culture of substance abuse.

Dr. Bindal accused the government of targeting dissenters with false cases. Referring to the flood-affected Seraj region in Mandi, he said that instead of focusing on relief work, the government took action against protesters demanding help. He further claimed that despite full financial support from the Centre, the Sukhu government has failed to fulfill its responsibilities.

He concluded by stating that if the BJP returns to power, it will once again shut down the lottery system and reopen all the closed schools, health centers, and public institutions for the benefit of the people.