Jai Ram Thakur slams Himachal CM Sukhu over boycott of NITI Aayog meeting, says could have raised issues

After Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu abstained from the NITI Aayog meeting that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leader said , "It is very unfortunate that there is a platform where you can take up issues. If there is something lacking in the Union budget, you could have taken these up during the meetings of NITI Aayog."

He expressed concerns over the negative impact this could have on the state's development.

He alleged that the current Chief Minister's party's high command had prevented him from attending Niti Aayog meetings, which could have dire consequences for the state.

"Chief Minister Sukhu reached Delhi but his party leaders in Delhi stopped him (from attending meeting) by doing politics. This causes loss to the state," he added.

He further stressed that it is imperative for every state to maintain cordial relations with the Centre for the development of the state.

"It is very important for Himachal Pradesh to maintain cordial relations with the Centre... I have also been the Chief Minister for 5 years, at that time development works were going on but ever since Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu became the Chief Minister, Himachal's development works have come to a full stop... It is not right to do politics on every issue," Jai Ram Thakur said.

Speaking to ANI, the former Chief Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial relations with the central government to maximize benefits from Union assistance and schemes. He emphasized that significant development was achieved during his tenure, which has stalled over the past 18 to 19 months.

On the issue of the bulk drug pharma park, the former Chief Minister expressed his disappointment with the state government's handling of the project. "There were three bulk drug pharma parks in the country. We also got the bid, and after fulfilling all conditions and taking the project, we can't change the conditions now. I don't understand who the officials and advisors are guiding the Chief Minister. I don't see any spirit and willpower of the state government to build a bulk drug park. This is very unfortunate," Thakur added.

On the disaster relief, the former Chief Minister accused the state government of corruption and mismanagement of central funds. He claimed that deserving and affected people have not received the benefits they were promised. "As far as the rain disaster is concerned, last year they demanded. It is right to demand on the higher side, but the centre has certain norms. So far, what money has been received, they have done corruption and a big scam in disaster relief distribution in the state. The deserving and affected people are not getting the benefits. I don't understand where the central fund has gone. Nothing has been given to the affected people. Even today, a delegation met me demanding disaster relief from the government," he said.

He further criticized the ruling party for falsely accusing the opposition of obstructing state funds. "The Union Budget has made special provisions for disaster relief. Despite all this, the ruling party, the Chief Minister, and his people are laying false allegations on us that we are stopping funds for the state even though we have taken up issues of the state with the Union government," he asserted.

When asked about the performance of the new Member of Parliament from Mandi, Kangna Ranaut, he urged patience, stating, "It would be an injustice to rate her performance as MP so early, but she has taken up issues of the airport, saving the artisan of the state." (ANI)