Shimla: The Leader of the Opposition in Himachal Pradesh and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Saturday levelled allegations against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led Congress government of usurping credit for the recent Supreme Court verdict on the share of electricity for the state in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Thakur said “This is the result of almost three decades of struggles through various legal and political process. We cannot forget the contributions of previous governments.”
Speaking to reporters at his residence here, he questioned the claim of Sukhu government for giving a verdict in favour of the state based on legal and historical facts.
Jairam Thakur Remembers 30 Years Long Struggle
Thakur said, “The demand for royalty on the water resources of HP was first raised in the era of former CM Shanta Kumar.
It went to the Supreme Court in 1996 during the tenure of former CM Virbhadra Singh. In the year 2011 on September 27, in the era of Prem Kumar Dhumal government, HP got 7.19 per cent electricity share,”
he said that in a Cabinet meeting held on January 4, 2018, the BJP government had made a decision to start talks to restore the differential energy.
“After that legal proceedings started and finally with the help of Central Government and the Attorney General of India, we have reached to this point,” he said,
“Who should get the credit for this decision? This is the outcome of a 30-year-long struggle involving successive governments. The Chief Minister should explain what his personal contribution to this achievement has been.” CM should tell us his personal contribution in this victory, he said.
Thakur said that after adjusting the capital liabilities, Himachal Pradesh will get 11,973 million units of electricity for next 20 years. Approximately 598 million units of electricity will be provided every year during 6 winter months.
BJP Leader Asks Sukhu Govt To Restore Earlier Scheme
Regarding the electricity rates, Thakur said “Earlier we had a scheme of 125 units free electricity, which should be restored by the Sukhu government,”
he also asked The Congress about its pre-poll promise of providing 300 units free electricity.
“The Congress had promised 300 units of free electricity before the elections. What has happened to that guarantee? The government must fulfil its commitment to the people,” he said.
Thakur also raised concern regarding increasing electricity rates, extra cess and the pressure on industries. He asked for clarity regarding the policy of the government to make electricity available at cheap rates.
Thakur Levels Allegations Against Sukhu Govt
The former Chief Minister also raised allegations against the financial management of the state government. He said that employees are still waiting for their DA, arrears and medical reimbursement while the government is borrowing money.
Despite many announcements, he claimed that the government has not come up with any real relief.
The BJP leader also took a jibe at Congress saying that they would not be able to retain the public’s trust by making empty promises and taking credits for the struggle of previous governments.
“The Congress government will not be repeated; it will be defeated in the next elections,” he said.
If BJP comes to power in the state, decisions made by the current government will be looked into, Thakur said.