Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal MC Polls: Anurag Thakur Targets Congress Over Debt, Solan Civic Issues
As political temperatures rise ahead of the municipal corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur launched a strong attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of pushing the hill state into financial instability and failing to address key civic issues in Solan.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the municipal corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur launched a strong attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of pushing the hill state into financial instability and failing to address key civic issues in Solan.
Addressing a public gathering in Solan on Friday, Thakur alleged that the current administration had transformed into a “government of cronies,” claiming that governance was being influenced by close associates instead of public welfare priorities.
Anurag Thakur Raises Concern Over Himachal’s Rising Debt
The BJP leader alleged that Himachal Pradesh was facing an alarming financial crisis due to what he described as poor economic management and flawed governance policies. According to Thakur, the state’s debt has crossed Rs 1.12 lakh crore, which he called one of the “biggest failures” of the Congress government within just three years in power.
He further claimed that several pre-election guarantees made by the ruling party remain unfulfilled, while allegations of corruption and administrative inefficiency continue to grow across the state.
Solan Development Works ‘At Standstill’
Targeting the functioning of the Solan Municipal Corporation, Thakur said development projects in the city had slowed significantly. He accused the government of making repeated announcements without ensuring implementation on the ground.
The BJP MP also questioned the delay in releasing funds allegedly promised for Solan wards. Referring to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s earlier announcement of Rs 1 crore for each ward, Thakur claimed that no actual funds had reached the local civic body even after two months.
Bhagat Urban Cooperative Bank Crisis Becomes Political Flashpoint
Thakur also highlighted the ongoing crisis surrounding Bhagat Urban Cooperative Bank, alleging that poor depositors were left helpless despite serious financial irregularities.
He stated that even after restrictions imposed by the Reserve Bank of India in October 2025, no strict action had been taken against officials accused of approving unsecured loans that allegedly worsened the bank’s condition.
The BJP leader said his party would seek a detailed inquiry into the matter and ensure accountability for those responsible for risking depositors’ hard-earned savings.
Row Over Solan Water Tariffs Intensifies
Another major issue raised during the speech was the hike in water tariffs in Solan. Thakur accused the state government of misleading residents regarding revised water charges.
He claimed that while the Chief Minister had stated that water rates were fixed at Rs 13 per 100 litres, the actual rates had reportedly increased to Rs 100 per kilolitre from September 2024. According to him, the delay in transferring Solan’s water distribution system to the Jal Shakti Department had added a financial burden of nearly Rs 149 crore on the municipal corporation.
BJP Eyes Strong Message in Municipal Elections
With municipal elections approaching, Thakur urged voters to give what he described as a “democratic rebuke” to the Congress government. He promised that a BJP-led civic body in Solan would focus on improving cleanliness, safety, greenery, and smart city infrastructure.
The political battle over debt, civic development, and public services is expected to dominate the upcoming local body elections in Himachal Pradesh, with both BJP and Congress likely to intensify campaigning in the coming weeks.
