Himachal Pradesh News
BJP accuses Himachal Congress govt of slashing BPL list, Rajiv Bindal calls move ‘anti-poor’
BJP state president Rajiv Bindal on Friday accused the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government of victimising Below Poverty Line (BPL) families by drastically reducing the number of beneficiaries, alleging that thousands of deserving households were being deprived of welfare benefits.
BJP state president Rajiv Bindal on Friday accused the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government of victimising Below Poverty Line (BPL) families by drastically reducing the number of beneficiaries, alleging that thousands of deserving households were being deprived of welfare benefits.
Addressing mediapersons ahead of the state-level SC Morcha meeting, Bindal claimed the government had issued a notification to truncate the BPL list without consulting gram sabhas, resulting in what he described as an “alarming 90 per cent reduction” in beneficiaries.
Terming the move arbitrary and anti-poor, he said the decision had created uncertainty and distress among economically weaker families across the state.
Bindal said that when the BJP raised the issue, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that a fresh process to identify new BPL beneficiaries would begin soon. However, he questioned the government’s intent, pointing to a provision under the notification that would automatically remove a family from the BPL list if an adult male member turns 27 years old.
“This is a direct attack on poor and underprivileged families,” Bindal alleged.
The BJP leader further accused the Congress government of pursuing anti-people policies since coming to power, claiming these had increased the financial burden on the common man. He cited the hike in land registration fees, higher VAT on fuel and increased electricity tariffs, saying these measures had pushed up the cost of living. He also alleged that even essential rations supplied through fair price shops had become more expensive.
Commenting on the ruling party’s internal functioning, Bindal said public allegations and counter-allegations among cabinet ministers reflected deep divisions within the Congress, and claimed development works had stalled.
He alleged that roads and public infrastructure damaged during floods remained unrepaired, while leaders were engaged in blame games.
Later, Bindal attended the SC Morcha meeting as chief guest to discuss the party’s organisational and electoral strategies. Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti was also present.
