Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Civic Poll Results Show Public Anger Against BJP, Says CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said the results of the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Himachal Pradesh clearly indicate growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP and its handling of the state’s financial concerns.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said the results of the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Himachal Pradesh clearly indicate growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP and its handling of the state’s financial concerns.
Speaking to mediapersons, the Chief Minister claimed that although the civic elections were not contested on official party symbols, the outcome reflected the mood of the people. According to Sukhu, voters rejected the BJP because the party failed to protect Himachal Pradesh’s interests before the Narendra Modi-led Central Government.
The Chief Minister raised questions over the suspension of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) and alleged that the Centre had not released the promised Rs 1,500 crore financial assistance announced earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also criticised the reduction in funds under the MNREGA scheme, saying these decisions had negatively impacted the state’s economy and rural population.
Sukhu claimed that Congress-backed candidates performed strongly in the civic elections, securing victories in more than 25 urban local bodies, while the BJP managed to gain a majority in only 16 bodies. However, he added that the outcome of the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections would ultimately depend on the performance of the current Congress government during the remaining tenure.
The Chief Minister described the election results as a positive response to the state government’s policies focused on strengthening the rural economy and supporting farmers. He said reforms introduced in sectors such as education, tourism, and healthcare had also contributed to the success of Congress-supported candidates.
Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Sukhu accused the opposition party of spreading misinformation over the alleged imposition of cess on petrol and diesel in the state. He claimed that BJP leaders and social media campaigns were deliberately misleading the public regarding the issue.
Clarifying the matter, Sukhu said the state government had only amended an existing law to create a provision for imposing a cess of up to Rs 5 on petrol and diesel for the welfare of widows and orphaned children. However, he stressed that the cess had not been implemented so far.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Centre over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3.90 per litre. He warned that the hike would lead to higher inflation and increase the burden on common citizens. Sukhu pointed out that small business owners, especially dhaba operators, were already struggling with rising commercial LPG cylinder prices.
Earlier in the day, CM Sukhu paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary at Sadbhawana Chowk in Chhota Shimla.
