Sukhu Has Dried Up the Green and Prosperous Himachal, Cutting the Same Branch He is Sitting On: Tarun Chugh

Mandi/Chandigarh, March 03, 2025: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh strongly criticized the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of completely mismanaging the state's finances. Addressing the media in Mandi during an intellectual seminar on the Union Budget, Chugh took a sharp dig at Sukhu, saying, "While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is tirelessly working for the development of the country, Sukhu is busy counting samosas."

Chugh attacked the Sukhu government, alleging that "huge rats are gnawing away at the state’s treasury, and the Chief Minister himself is feeding them." He slammed the Congress government for failing to acknowledge the generous financial assistance provided by the Modi government to Himachal Pradesh, stating that while the Centre is extending every possible help, the state government is neither utilizing funds effectively nor showing any gratitude.

Chugh also targeted the Congress for its handling of disaster relief, pointing out that "The Sukhu government did not spend a single penny from its own resources during the disaster but merely distributed funds sent by the Centre."

Highlighting the game-changing Union Budget 2025-26, Chugh said that it lays the roadmap for a developed India and will play a crucial role in empowering poor citizens, youth, farmers, and women. He stated that under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the government has set a target of constructing 7 crore houses, of which 3 crore have already been completed, and work is in progress for the remaining 4 crore. Furthermore, the Ayushman Bharat scheme now includes a ₹5 lakh top-up cover for senior citizens, benefiting over 55 crore people.

Chugh emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has seen an unprecedented developmental roadmap over the past ten years, ensuring that welfare schemes reach the last person in line. He highlighted that today, every senior citizen above 70 years of age is guaranteed free treatment worth ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, benefiting 55 crore people nationwide. Additionally, the Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured piped water supply to every household, benefiting over 14.6 crore homes. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, 13 crore households have received free LPG gas connections, uplifting millions of families.

Chugh asserted that Himachal Pradesh will receive significant benefits from this budget. Under the Modi government, from 2014 to 2024, the state has received ₹54,000 crore in tax grants, compared to just ₹12,639 crore during the Congress regime from 2004 to 2014. This means that the Modi government has granted Himachal Pradesh nearly 300 times more financial aid than the previous Congress government.

Taking a jibe at Congress, Chugh stated, "While Modi ji is working to develop temples, the Congress government is eyeing temple funds." He contrasted the two styles of governance, saying, "On one hand, we have a government that needs to set up an investigation to track samosas; on the other, Modi ji’s government is sending massive funds to strengthen Himachal’s infrastructure."

Continuing his scathing attack, Chugh remarked, "Every day, newspapers carry reports of Himachal’s financial crisis—employees aren’t getting salaries, pension payments are stuck, and the government is unable to clear bills. The so-called ‘system change’ that Sukhu promised has only led to the state’s financial collapse. The Chief Minister has dried up the very branch he is sitting on."

The event was attended by former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, BJP State Vice President and program convener Govind Singh Thakur, State Vice President Payal Vaidya, BJP Spokesperson Ajay Rana, MLAs Inder Singh Gandhi, Dalip Thakur, Deep Kumar, Puran Chand, District President Nihal Chand, Virender Pal, Rakesh Walia, and several other senior party leaders.