BJP Leader Criticizes Himachal Government's Lottery Decision

Protest Planned Against Lottery System Revival

Shimla: The recent announcement to reinstate the lottery system in Himachal Pradesh after a 25-year hiatus has sparked significant political controversy. BJP state president Dr. Rajeev Bindal has openly criticized the Congress-led government under Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Bindal mocked the initiative, stating, “The new slogan in the state will be ‘Le lo Sukhu ki lottery le lo’ (buy Sukhu’s lottery).” He accused the Congress administration of failing the unemployed youth, claiming, “The Congress came to power with a promise of one lakh government jobs, but now it is steering the youth towards gambling. It appears the government wants them to abandon their competitive exam preparations in favor of lottery tickets.”

He emphasized that if the BJP regains power, such 'backward' policies will be reversed, recalling that the lottery system was initially banned in 1998 by BJP Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. He noted that the Congress had reinstated it in 2004, only for Virbhadra Singh to shut it down again in 2007, indicating that even the Congress recognized its risks.

Concerns Over Governance and Drug Issues

Bindal further criticized the Congress government, alleging that Himachal has become a center for drugs, liquor, and lotteries. He claimed that liquor stores have been established on Public Works Department land without consequence.

“However, if a poor individual attempts to sell maize by the roadside, they face fines,” Bindal remarked, accusing the Congress regime of being biased and oppressive.

He labeled the Sukhu administration as authoritarian, stating, “Anyone who opposes the government faces FIRs, transfers, or the reopening of old cases. Even peaceful protesters are being charged with criminal offenses.”

Bindal highlighted the plight of 72 individuals in Thunag, who, despite suffering losses from recent natural disasters, were allegedly charged with sedition under the pretext of 'protecting the Tricolour.' He questioned, “Should they focus on rebuilding their homes or defending against legal charges?”

He announced that the BJP will organize a significant protest in Mandi on August 6 to contest what he termed the “oppressive, anti-people policies” of the Congress government.

Additionally, Bindal raised concerns regarding disaster relief expenditures, urging the Sukhu government to disclose how much of the Rs 7,513 crore allocated by the Centre for disaster management has been utilized.

“According to our information, the Congress government has only spent Rs 150 crore from the state budget between 2022 and 2025, with the remainder unaccounted for. This includes funds from MNREGA and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, yet little has reached those in need,” he alleged.