BJP's Vipin Parmar slams Sukhu government over hotel privatisation in Himachal Pradesh

TNR News Network

Dharamshala — Former Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly and Sulah MLA Vipin Singh Parmar has strongly criticized the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government for its proposal to privatise 14 hotels under the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Parmar alleged that the government is attempting to sell off state-owned heritage properties under the pretext of financial distress.

Parmar questioned the rationale behind the decision, citing that HPTDC has reportedly generated over ₹100 crore in revenue. “If that’s the case, how are these hotels considered unprofitable?” he asked, suggesting that the government is misleading both the public and the High Court.

He further claimed that some of these 14 hotels are viewed as cultural landmarks by tourists and must not be handed over to private entities. Accusing the Sukhu administration of preparing fabricated reports to show artificial losses, Parmar stated that earlier 18 hotels were wrongly projected as liabilities for privatization.

The BJP leader also expressed concern over the job security of thousands of regular and contractual employees, warning that they risk falling into unemployment if privatization proceeds. He pointed to internal contradictions within the Congress government, highlighting that HPTDC Chairman R.S. Bali himself has raised objections, suggesting the cabinet was not fully briefed on the hotel privatization plan.

Parmar concluded by arguing that the government could renovate and run the hotels efficiently, generating substantial income, rather than opting for privatization. He condemned the Sukhu government’s performance as ineffective and deceptive, especially regarding its unfulfilled promise to turn Kangra into a tourism capital.