Shimla: BJP Himachal Pradesh in-charge Shrikant Sharma has accused the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of neglecting tribal areas, raising concerns over healthcare facilities, rural roads and the use of development funds in Lahaul-Spiti.
During a visit to the Trilokinath area of Udaipur Mandal, Sharma met local residents and BJP workers. He said complaints had been raised about the availability of basic medicines at government healthcare facilities in Jalma Panchayat and nearby areas.
With winter approaching, Sharma said the condition of health centres and roads in remote villages needed urgent attention. He questioned how patients would receive treatment during heavy snowfall if local facilities could not provide medicines for common illnesses.
“If primary health centres cannot provide medicines for common illnesses, how will the government ensure treatment for seriously ill patients during the harsh winter months?” he asked.
BJP Leader Raises Concerns Over Roads and Healthcare
Sharma said several villages in tribal areas face connectivity problems during winter. He called on the state government to ensure that health centres have essential medicines, medical facilities remain functional and emergency services are available before snowfall.
He also pointed to complaints about the condition of roads in Miyar Valley, Chokhang and other areas connecting remote settlements. According to Sharma, while work was being carried out on national highways under the Central government, several rural link roads under the state government’s responsibility remained in poor condition.
He asked Chief Minister Sukhu to clarify what steps had been taken to repair these roads before winter, how much money had been sanctioned and how much work had been completed.
Sharma also accused Congress leaders of focusing on criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government instead of addressing problems with healthcare and rural infrastructure in the state.
Sharma Seeks Details of Tribal Development Funds
The BJP leader questioned the allocation and use of funds meant for tribal development. He demanded that the state government disclose how much money had been allocated, released and spent on tribal areas during the current and previous financial years.
He also called for a transparent comparison of allocations and actual expenditure, saying residents should be able to assess whether the funds were reaching remote communities. Sharma alleged that the lack of detailed public information raised questions about the government’s accountability.
“The people of Lahaul-Spiti deserve proper healthcare, safe roads and timely development—not empty promises,” he said, accusing the Congress government of treating tribal communities as a vote bank.
Sharma later joined BJP workers at Booth No. 15 in Trilokinath to listen to the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
He said the programme highlighted public participation, community service and grassroots initiatives. He also urged party workers to stay connected with residents, understand their problems and raise concerns through the appropriate administrative channels.
Sharma reiterated his demands for adequate medicine supplies at healthcare institutions before winter, repairs to damaged link roads in Miyar Valley, Chokhang and other affected areas, and the publication of detailed information on tribal development spending.
He said the BJP would continue to raise issues concerning the rights and development of tribal communities in Himachal Pradesh.