Himachal BJP media in-charge Randhir Sharma slams Congress govt for "shielding mafia and mismanagement"

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 20 (ANI): Himachal BJP Media In-Charge and MLA Randhir Sharma launched a strong attack on the ruling Congress government, accusing it of failures across sectors and actively shielding mafias.

Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, Sharma pointed to recent arrests by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Hamirpur, alleging that these revealed a nexus between Chief Minister Shukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the mining mafia.

"The ED's action in the Chief Minister's constituency is a glaring evidence of how the mining mafia enjoys the government's protection. This government is not just ineffective; it is being run by mafias," Sharma told reporters.

He also criticized the state government over the financial mismanagement surrounding Himachal Bhawan.

"This government has failed to pay Rs 64 crore and is now resorting to blaming the previous government for its inefficiencies. Instead of questioning the judiciary, the government should hold its advocates accountable for not defending the state's case properly in court," Sharma added.

Sharma also raised concerns over the closure of 18 loss-making hotels of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), following a recent court order.

He further questioned the intentions of the state government, asking whether these closures were part of a plan to lease out the properties to individuals close to the Chief Minister.

"This government must clarify its stand. Are these closures merely to hand over prime tourism properties to the Chief Minister's friends under the guise of economic viability? The public deserves an answer," he demanded.

Sharma also accused the Congress government of prioritizing mafias over the welfare of citizens. "From mining to tourism, every sector under this government reeks of corruption and mismanagement. The Chief Minister must come clean on these allegations," he said.

Sharma emphasised that the government owes answers to the people of the state and said, "The Congress government in Himachal has been an abject failure. The ED arrests and court orders on tourism hotels are clear signs that the administration is serving mafia interests rather than public welfare. This government owes answers to the people." (ANI)