BJP Criticizes Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh for Economic Mismanagement

During a recent workers' convention in Mandi, the BJP sharply criticized the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh, accusing it of corruption and economic mismanagement. Key leaders, including Saudan Singh and Rajeev Bindal, highlighted the state's rising debt and failure to fulfill electoral promises, particularly regarding welfare schemes for women and youth. They claimed that the current administration has hindered development and increased crime rates. The BJP is rallying support for upcoming local elections, urging party workers to engage with the community and address the government's shortcomings.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 18:16 IST

BJP's Strong Critique of Congress in Himachal Pradesh

Munish Sood
Mandi

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh launched a fierce critique of the Congress-led state government during a significant workers' convention at Vipasha Sadan in Mandi on Friday. The party accused the ruling government of corruption, financial mismanagement, and failing to deliver on its electoral promises.

The event saw participation from BJP national vice-president Saudan Singh, state president Rajeev Bindal, chief spokesperson Rakesh Jamwal, general secretary Payal Vaidya, and several MLAs, alongside numerous party officials and supporters.

Saudan Singh, addressing the crowd, claimed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's administration had driven Himachal Pradesh towards 'economic bankruptcy' over its three-and-a-half-year term.

He asserted that the state's debt had surpassed Rs 1.10 lakh crore, accusing the Congress government of incurring an additional Rs 40,000 crore in loans during its time in office. Singh noted that the debt burden was nearly Rs 70,000 crore, accumulated over the last thirty years until 2022, but the current administration had exacerbated the situation in a short period.

Furthermore, Singh alleged that while the government claimed a lack of funds for development, substantial amounts were being spent on the 'luxuries of close associates and friends.' He pointed out that the condition of roads was deteriorating, hospitals were short-staffed, educational institutions lacked teachers, and development projects had come to a near halt.

He also criticized the government for stalling or terminating several initiatives that were started during the previous BJP administration. Welfare programs like Himcare, Sahara, and Ayushman Bharat were reportedly facing financial delays, adversely impacting healthcare services in the state.

Singh took issue with the Congress government's failure to fulfill its electoral promises, particularly those aimed at women and youth. He highlighted that the commitment to provide Rs 1,500 monthly to women had not been realized even after more than three years in power, while unemployed youth continued to seek job opportunities.

Dr. Rajeev Bindal, speaking at the event, labeled the Congress government as 'anti-people,' accusing it of imposing burdens on citizens through increased fares for the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), water bills, ration depot prices, stamp duties, cement costs, and entry taxes.

Bindal further claimed that incidents of gang violence, murders, extortion, and organized crime had surged under the current regime. He criticized the government for failing to maintain law and order and for engaging in blame-shifting rather than addressing public issues.

The BJP state president alleged that over 1,500 institutions, including schools, colleges, hospitals, and revenue offices, had either been closed or were at risk of closure during the Congress administration. He also accused the government of diverting funds from local bodies, such as gram panchayats and municipal councils, to the state account, hindering grassroots development.

BJP leaders expressed that the citizens of Himachal Pradesh were becoming increasingly disillusioned with the Congress government and would respond strongly in the upcoming Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections.

Party officials encouraged workers to engage with the public at the booth level, emphasizing the failures and 'false guarantees' of the state government while rallying support for BJP candidates in the forthcoming elections.