Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday (June 7, 2025) hit out at the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), accusing it of failing to significantly contribute towards the State’s development during its previous regime even though the party kept boasting about its “double engine” governments.
The BJP raised considerable loans during its five-year rule, thus pushing the State into a financial crisis, he said, while addressing a gathering in Una. He said that to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, the Congress government was determined to take some harsh decisions to improve the economy with cooperation of the people of the State.
‘Drop in education standards’
Criticising the previous BJP government’s education policies, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh, once ranked among the top States in quality education, has dropped down to 21st position due to the flawed policies of the previous BJP government.
“Consequently, students have shown a declining interest in enrolling in government schools. Many schools now witness a lower student-to-teacher ratio from Classes 5th to 12th. The present government has decided to merge such schools to ensure qualitative education and a better future for students,” he said.
Mr. Sukhu said that ahead of the 2022 State Assembly election, the previous BJP government had wrecked the State’s economy. “Around 600 schools and health institutions were opened without any proper planning. Public assets worth ₹5,000 crore were distributed and sold. Big hotels and factories were given electricity subsidies worth ₹2,200 crore and water subsidies worth ₹800 crore for electoral gains, which has left the state in serious financial distress,” he alleged.
Published – June 08, 2025 05:47 am IST
