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TNR Exclusive Interview with Rajesh Dharmani, Minister of Town & Country Planning, Housing, and Technical Education
MANDI: Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh Minister for Town and Country Planning, Housing and Technical Education, touches on various issues concerning his department and the ongoing matters within the state government in an exclusive conversation with The Newz Radar. Excerpts:
Q: Yesterday, a businessman involved in water sports held a press conference in Shimla, levelling serious corruption allegations against the Deputy Commissioner of Bilaspur. He accused the Deputy Commissioner of forming a partnership with two businessmen — Ajay Handa and Mangat Ram Khanna — by blatantly disregarding the rules. According to him, contracts were awarded to these two on mere paper work, bypassing an open tender process, and without consulting the tourism department. What is your response to these accusations?
A: I received some clippings regarding this matter just last night. I recognised the individual — he had contacted me during the Assembly session as well, claiming that these two individuals were threatening him and that he feared for his life. I advised him to go to the police and file an FIR. He expressed his desire to meet me, to which I suggested he come to the Assembly, but he never showed up. I didn’t have any means to contact him after that. To me, this appears to be a case of business rivalry. He remained silent for so long, and a day after the cruise boat arrived in Bilaspur, he suddenly held this press conference. Remaining quiet for such an extended period and then raising these allegations doesn’t seem fair. This is a private matter between them, and we have no involvement in it. Let me also clarify that this individual once approached me at the Ghumarwin Rest House, asking for work through the Technical Department. I advised him to compete in the tender process, and if his bid was the lowest, he would be awarded the contract. Perhaps he understood that and never returned.
Q: Two of your ministerial colleagues, Vikramaditya Singh and Anirudh Singh, seem to be expressing views that deviate from the party’s stance on the mosque issue. They voice their opinions but are often reprimanded by the high command. For instance, Vikramaditya proposed that street vendors in Himachal should display their names, similar to the practice in Uttar Pradesh, but later withdrew his statement following criticism. Anirudh faced a similar situation. What’s your take on this?
A: The government and the party function on collective decisions, not individual opinions. That’s why we have a cabinet — to deliberate on every issue and arrive at a policy decision. It’s not necessary for every minister to have the same opinion, but decisions are made based on majority. The Chief Minister has already formed an all-party committee on this issue, including leaders from both Congress and BJP. One meeting has already been held and another is planned. Whatever the committee decides will be discussed in the cabinet meeting. Until a formal policy decision is made, I can’t comment on the matter. Vikramaditya’s statement could be his personal opinion, which he may have shared with the committee. It has no bearing on government policy.
Q: Political circles are abuzz with rumors that some Congress ministers and MLAs are unhappy with CM Sukhu, and the BJP is watching closely. Is everything alright within the party?
A: There’s no discontent, and everyone in the party has the right to express their views. Just like in a family, everyone can voice their opinion, but in the end, we agree on what the majority decides. Everything is fine in the party; there are no issues. The BJP saw what happened to them in the last elections. We had 40 seats then, and we have 40 seats now.
Q: A few days ago, Sanjeev Sharma, president of an employee union, made a statement that you are unfit to be a minister and that Sukhu only appointed you under pressure. What do you have to say?
A: Whether or not I became a minister doesn’t hold much significance for me. I never aspired to be a minister.
Q: But two of your colleagues, Sudhir Sharma and Rajinder Rana, left the party due to frustration.
A: That was their personal decision. I have always worked positively, whether as a minister or not, and I continue to do so. Rana wasn’t with the party for long, and Sudhir joined after me. I’ve been with Congress for 33-34 years, so my seniority stands. Not every MLA can become a minister. The decision lies with those in charge, based on their wisdom and discretion.
Q: Is it true that Sukhu appointed you as a minister under significant pressure from Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi?
A: Look, I have never met Rahul ji or Priyanka ji, but it’s true that I share mutual friends with Sukhu ji, especially from our NSUI days, and they often questioned why I hadn’t been made a minister. There might have been some pressure in that regard, but I’m not privy to the actual decision-making process.
Q: Sanjeev Sharma also alleged that government ministers and senior officials are engaging in excessive and unnecessary expenditure. How do you respond to this?
A: Instead of giving speeches, it would have been more constructive for him to provide suggestions on how to reduce unnecessary spending. Speeches don’t solve problems. We are working hard to strengthen the state’s economy. You know that the central government has imposed restrictions on borrowing, and there has been a significant reduction in grants from the Centre. The government has limited avenues to generate revenue, and our tax collection is constrained. Despite these challenges, Sukhu is working tirelessly to manage the state effectively, and the positive results will soon be evident.
Q: Do you believe that the public is unhappy with your government?
Answer: No, I don’t believe that’s the case. In the recent by-elections, the people supported us by giving us victory in six constituencies. The public understands the government’s efforts, which is why we’re back at 40 seats. We have worked for every section of society, whether they explicitly asked for it or not — women, children, the elderly, youth, widows, orphans, farmers and other groups. Despite limited resources, we have done our best, and we will continue to do so.
Q: There’s a claim that Sukhu is an overly rigid Chief Minister, and that’s why neither ministers, MLAs, nor the public are happy with him. What’s your view?
A: The Chief Minister listens to everyone, but as a decision-maker, it’s impossible to please everyone. He must consider all perspectives and make a final decision in the best interest of the state. The narrative that some are unhappy may stem from individual interests, but it’s not true. Only six MLAs rebelled while the majority supported us.
Q: Admissions in colleges this year have dropped by 35-40% as students now realise that degrees alone won’t secure their future. They are shifting their focus towards skill development and technical fields. Is the government prepared to provide education and the necessary infrastructure to support this shift?
A: We are moving towards consolidation. Our focus is on upgrading institutions to ensure they meet the current demands. We are actively working to provide technical education, and you will soon see positive results. Several new departments are being set up, and their syllabi are being finalized. Additionally, we need to ensure social security for those working in the private sector or pursuing self-employment, so that they feel supported in case of any challenges or unforeseen circumstances.
