‘Misuse of Taxpayers’ Money’: BJP Slams Himachal CM Over Photo on Police Patrol Vehicles

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh has criticized the state government for displaying Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s photo on newly launched police patrol vehicles, calling it a “misuse of taxpayers’ money.”

BJP’s chief spokesperson Rajinder Singh Rana accused the government of failing to control rising crime and prioritizing “self-promotion” over public safety.

In a statement, Rana questioned whether the decision to feature the Chief Minister’s image was Sukhu’s own idea or the initiative of “sycophantic bureaucrats trying to please him.”

On November 4, Chief Minister Sukhu had flagged off 66 police patrol vehicles for ten districts — Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, Kullu, Sirmaur, Solan, and Chamba. The vehicles, purchased at a cost of ₹18.42 crore, include 35 electric patrol units, 14 interceptor vehicles, and 10 tow trucks.

Rana alleged that Himachal Pradesh, once known as a peaceful state, is now “grappling with gang wars and a surge in drug-related crime.” He claimed that the deteriorating law-and-order situation over the past three years has tarnished the state’s image and will take years to repair.

“The situation has become alarming — shootings in districts like Una and Bilaspur have become routine, and the youth are falling prey to drugs,” Rana said, blaming the government’s “weakness” for emboldening criminals.

Rana, notably, was among the six Congress MLAs who cross-voted in the February 2024 Rajya Sabha election in favor of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan. He later joined the BJP and contested the bypoll from Sujanpur, but lost.