Munish Sood
Dharamshala
BJP leader and Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma has strongly criticised the Congress government and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that hundreds of economically weaker families in the Dharamshala Vidhan Sabha have been arbitrarily removed from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list.
Addressing a press conference in Dharamshala, Sharma described the move as “anti-poor” and said it reflected a breakdown of governance in the state. He claimed that across nearly 27 panchayats of Dharamshala block, the number of families eligible for BPL benefits earlier ran into hundreds, but has now fallen to just a few dozen, with several panchayats recording zero beneficiaries.
“Rules existed earlier as well, but such mass exclusions never took place. Poor families are now being removed mechanically on the Chief Minister’s directions. This exposes the government’s intent towards the weaker sections,” Sharma said.
He accused the Chief Minister of adopting short-sighted policies and acting on misleading advice, pushing Himachal Pradesh — particularly Dharamshala — several years backwards on the development front.
“Let the Chief Minister target me politically, but he should spare the people of Dharamshala and Himachal Pradesh,” Sharma remarked.
Development paralysed, projects stalled
The BJP MLA alleged that political bias against Dharamshala has led to a complete standstill in development works. He said the state government has failed to deposit the pending ₹30 crore for the Central University, while Smart City projects remain stalled.
“Despite repeated demands, no new development projects are being initiated. Contractors of the PWD and Jal Shakti departments are not receiving payments, forcing all infrastructure works to come to a halt,” he said.
Sharma also alleged that government employees in schools and panchayats are being subjected to intimidation and pressure. Referring to the Kangra Carnival controversy, he said allegations of extortion from officers had created an atmosphere of fear within the administration.
Unfulfilled promises and delayed infrastructure
Highlighting what he termed as “failed governance”, Sharma said key projects such as the OBC Bhawan, vegetable market and embankment works on local rivulets remain incomplete. He accused the government of misleading the public by making false claims regarding the inclusion of Jamghat and Moman Kuhal under the JICA project.
Opposition to trade fair at Dari Ground
Sharma also opposed the proposal to organise a trade fair at Dari Ground, stating that it would adversely affect local traders and compromise the use of the ground for sports activities.
“Playgrounds are meant for sports and children, not commercial exhibitions. I stand firmly with Dharamshala’s traders and will oppose this move at every level,” he said.
Demand for probe into compensation scam and land irregularities
The BJP MLA demanded a probe into the alleged compensation scam linked to airport expansion and said the matter would be raised with the central government. He also flagged alleged land irregularities involving changes in land classification during registration and pressure on revenue officials by a senior woman officer.
Calling the developments “deeply disturbing”, Sharma demanded an independent and impartial investigation.
He asserted that the BJP would continue its struggle for the rights of Dharamshala and Himachal Pradesh and would not allow injustice towards the poor, traders and common citizens to go unchecked.
