Previous BJP Government Left Treasury Empty, Causing ₹50,000 Crore Revenue Deficit: CM Sukhu

Alleges ₹1,000 Crore Spent on Unused Buildings

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday accused the previous BJP government of financial mismanagement, spreading misinformation, and obstructing development in the state.

Addressing a public meeting in Karsog, Mandi district, Sukhu alleged that the former BJP-led “double engine government” had drained the state’s treasury, leaving behind a revenue deficit of ₹50,000 crore.

He said, “The BJP misused public money for political gains, while our government is ensuring that every rupee is spent on public welfare.”

Sukhu accused the former government of opening unnecessary institutions and constructing buildings that serve no practical purpose, merely to benefit contractors. “They spent ₹1,000 crore on structures that have no utility. For instance, an ITI built in Chhatri at a cost of ₹40 crore currently has only 18 students,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister also claimed that BJP leaders were deliberately obstructing the state government’s efforts to obtain additional borrowing permissions from the Centre — approvals that, he said, were “easily granted” during the BJP’s tenure.

He added, “After we reinstated the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the Central Government withheld ₹1,600 crore — a direct assault on the rights of state employees.”

Responding to BJP’s allegation that beneficiaries under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana were not receiving the promised ₹1,500 monthly assistance, Sukhu clarified that the payments were being disbursed in phases, ensuring that all eligible women would receive the benefit. “This is yet another baseless rumor spread by BJP leaders to mislead the public,” he said.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. On the education front, he criticized the previous BJP administration for pushing Himachal Pradesh down to the 21st position nationally in 2021, adding, “Through strategic reforms, we’ve reversed that decline, and Himachal now ranks fifth.” He further noted that 3,000 of the 6,000 teachers being recruited have already joined, improving educational quality across the state.

Highlighting improvements in healthcare, Sukhu said that modern medical equipment had been installed in hospitals and 200 doctors recruited, with another 200 appointments planned. “Robotic surgeries are now being performed at Chamyana Hospital in Shimla and at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital in Tanda, Kangra, demonstrating our commitment to advanced healthcare services,” he added.