BJP Critiques Congress Over Himachal Pradesh's BBMB Dues Claims
BJP's Stance on BBMB Dues
Dharamshala: Sanjay Sharma, a spokesperson for the BJP, has voiced strong criticism against the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh. He accused them of attempting to take undue credit regarding the longstanding issues surrounding the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) dues and the state's rights. Sharma asserted that the Congress party is misleading the public by disregarding the historical efforts made by earlier administrations to secure the rightful share for Himachal Pradesh.
In his press remarks, Sharma pointed out that during the reorganization of Punjab on November 1, 1966, Himachal Pradesh was entitled to a 7.19 percent share of assets and liabilities based on its population. He claimed that successive Congress administrations failed to advocate for the state's legitimate rights.
Sharma highlighted that the issue was first prominently raised in 1977 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, when the Janata Party government brought attention to the injustices faced by Himachal Pradesh and demanded its rightful share of natural resources. Subsequently, during the BJP government led by Shanta Kumar in 1990, the matter was actively pursued with the central government, leading to an in-principle agreement for a 12 percent royalty on hydroelectric power generated in the state.
In 1994, an 'Adhikar Yatra' (Rights March) was organized in Delhi under Shanta Kumar’s leadership, garnering support from senior national leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and Madan Lal Khurana for Himachal Pradesh’s demands.
Sharma also acknowledged that former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's government took the issue to the Supreme Court, but he criticized the slow legal process that did not yield significant results for many years.
According to Sharma, a significant breakthrough occurred after the BJP-HVC coalition government, led by former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, took office in 1998. He claimed that the state ramped up its legal efforts by hiring senior advocates and enhancing coordination in Delhi, which ultimately led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling on September 27, 2011, affirming Himachal Pradesh’s entitlement to a 12 percent royalty and the payment of dues related to its 7.19 percent share.
Sharma emphasized that the credit for the struggle and success in the BBMB dues case should primarily go to former Chief Ministers Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal. He urged the current government to recognize the contributions and sustained efforts of previous administrations, rather than solely focusing on the benefits currently being highlighted.
He concluded by stating that those who have fought for Himachal Pradesh’s rights over the years deserve proper acknowledgment, and it is essential to present historical facts accurately to the public.