BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma Criticizes Congress Government Over BPL List Removals in Dharamshala
BJP Leader's Strong Allegations
Munish Sood
Dharamshala
Sudhir Sharma, a BJP leader and MLA from Dharamshala, has launched a fierce critique against the Congress government and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He claims that numerous economically disadvantaged families in the Dharamshala Vidhan Sabha have been unjustly removed from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list.
During a press conference held in Dharamshala, Sharma labeled this action as 'anti-poor' and indicative of a governance failure in the state. He asserted that in nearly 27 panchayats within the Dharamshala block, the number of families eligible for BPL assistance has drastically decreased from hundreds to just a few dozen, with some panchayats reporting no beneficiaries at all.
“While rules were in place before, such widespread exclusions were unprecedented. Poor families are now being removed systematically under the Chief Minister’s orders, revealing the government's disregard for the vulnerable,” Sharma stated.
He accused the Chief Minister of implementing shortsighted policies based on misleading counsel, which he believes has regressed Himachal Pradesh, particularly Dharamshala, in terms of development.
“The Chief Minister can target me politically, but he should not harm the people of Dharamshala and Himachal Pradesh,” Sharma added.
Stalled Development Projects
Sharma further alleged that political favoritism against Dharamshala has resulted in a complete halt to development initiatives. He pointed out that the state government has not disbursed the pending ₹30 crore for the Central University, and Smart City projects are currently on hold.
“Despite numerous requests, no new development projects are being launched. Contractors from the PWD and Jal Shakti departments are not receiving their payments, leading to a standstill in all infrastructure projects,” he explained.
Additionally, Sharma claimed that government employees in schools and panchayats are facing intimidation and pressure. He referenced the Kangra Carnival controversy, noting that allegations of extortion among officials have fostered a climate of fear within the administration.
Unmet Promises and Infrastructure Delays
Describing what he calls 'failed governance', Sharma highlighted that significant projects like the OBC Bhawan, vegetable market, and embankment works on local streams remain unfinished. He accused the government of misleading the public with false claims regarding the inclusion of Jamghat and Moman Kuhal in the JICA project.
Opposition to Trade Fair Proposal
Sharma also expressed his opposition to the proposed trade fair at Dari Ground, arguing that it would negatively impact local traders and hinder the ground's use for sports activities.
“Playgrounds should serve sports and children, not commercial events. I stand firmly with the traders of Dharamshala and will oppose this initiative at every level,” he asserted.
Call for Investigation into Compensation and Land Issues
The BJP MLA demanded an investigation into the alleged compensation scam related to airport expansion, stating that he would bring this issue to the attention of the central government. He also raised concerns about alleged land irregularities, including changes in land classification during registration and pressure on revenue officials by a senior female officer.
Describing these developments as 'deeply disturbing', Sharma called for an independent and unbiased inquiry.
He emphasized that the BJP will persist in advocating for the rights of Dharamshala and Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that injustices against the poor, traders, and ordinary citizens are addressed.