- विज्ञापन -
Shimla: The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday strongly criticised the BJP MLAs’ decision to collectively boycott the session of the two-day planning meeting in Himachal Pradesh, aimed at framing development strategies based on the priorities of MLAs.
Speaking with the media, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that BJP was merely finding excuses to avoid participation in meaningful discussions. “There can be many reasons not to attend a meeting, but a genuine commitment to development requires engagement and dialogue,” Sukhu stated.
The boycott has sparked heated political debates in the state, with the Congress accusing the BJP of abandoning its legislative responsibilities. In contrast, the BJP justified its decision by alleging that their voices were not being heard in the planning process and that no Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were being prepared or approved for the development projects they proposed. Due to this, they decided to boycott the meeting.
“If you had come to the meeting, you could have presented your concerns before the officials. No one could have stopped you from putting forth your points. BJP leaders and MLAs are stuck in their internal conflicts. The party is divided into five factions and is unable to resolve its internal disputes. Today, they claim that they are boycotting the traditional planning department meeting. Who stopped you from coming? In such meetings, all officials and MLAs participate, and you have the opportunity to discuss your constituency’s issues.” Sukhu said while answering the Media questions.
CM Sukhu also provided statistics on the funds allocated to BJP constituencies, stating, “From January 1, 2023, to February 3, 2025, Rs 421 crore has been sanctioned for BJP’s 28 assembly constituencies, and DPRs have been prepared for projects worth Rs 1,862 crore. Some objections were raised, but we are getting them resolved and approved.”
“These are the figures for the last two years. Let me give you more details. For Sukhram Chaudhary, the MLA from Poanta Sahib, we have sanctioned Rs 38 crore. For Vikram Thakur, the former minister, Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned. The projects for Congress MLAs were approved only after a year, whereas we first sanctioned Rs 421 crore for BJP MLAs.” Sukhu added.
The Chief Minister further accused the BJP of misleading the public and failing to engage in constructive discussions:
“If they think these figures are false, they should present their own data. The BJP has developed a habit of misleading people. We understand their difficulties. Their MLAs are not listening to them, and they themselves do not want to participate in the discussions. They are caught up in internal conflicts, whether in the ruling party or the opposition. There are platforms where they can raise their issues.” CM said.
He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had skipped previous official meetings, including all party meetings called by the Speaker during the winter session.
“During the last winter session, when the Speaker called a party meeting, BJP members did not attend. When the budget session happens, they walk out. When the budget is presented, they stage a walkout. Today, they boycotted the planning meeting meant for setting legislative priorities. Who stopped them from attending? They have every right to voice their concerns.” Sukhu stated.
