APMC Chairman questions BJP legislator’s eight-year record, defends Sukhu’s visit and challenges him to release a white paper on his achievements
Munish Sood
Mandi
The political battle in Balh has intensified following Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent visit to the constituency, with APMC Chairman and Congress leader Sanjeev Guleria launching a sharp counterattack on BJP MLA Inder Singh Gandhi.
Responding to remarks made by Gandhi at a press conference after the Chief Minister’s programme, Guleria said the BJP legislator appeared unsettled by the public response to Sukhu’s visit and should focus on his own performance instead of making personal and politically charged statements.
Guleria said an elected representative should maintain dignity and restraint in public discourse and alleged that the language used by Gandhi against the Chief Minister and other leaders was not appropriate for political life.
Questioning Gandhi’s record as a two-time MLA, Guleria said the people of Balh were aware of his activities and performance over the past eight years. Taking a sharp dig at the BJP legislator, he alleged that Gandhi had been “sleeping like Kumbhakarna” for eight years and had become active only after witnessing the crowd at the Chief Minister’s programme.
“If the crowd has unsettled you, work harder and connect with the people instead of holding press conferences,” Guleria said, adding that an MLA should present facts and his development record before the public.
Guleria also rejected the suggestion that the Chief Minister’s programme was a government rally. He said Sukhu had attended a Congress programme in Balh and the response reflected the enthusiasm of party workers and people in the area.
‘Why object to Prakash Chaudhary’s name?’
Guleria also hit out at Gandhi over his remarks concerning former minister Prakash Chaudhary. He questioned why the BJP MLA was disturbed when the Chief Minister mentioned Chaudhary during the programme.
He also criticised Gandhi for making remarks against veteran leader Sukh Ram, saying political differences should not be used as a reason to make inappropriate comments about senior political figures and their contribution to Himachal Pradesh.
‘Bring out a white paper on your own work’
Turning the debate towards development, Guleria challenged Gandhi to bring out a white paper on the work undertaken in Balh during his tenure as MLA.
“If you want to question the government, first tell the people what you have done during your own tenure,” he said.
Guleria alleged that the previous BJP government had made numerous announcements without ensuring their effective implementation. In contrast, he said, the present government was working to complete development commitments on the ground.
He said the announcements made by Chief Minister Sukhu for Balh, including the proposed multipurpose store, would be pursued and completed within the coming one-and-a-quarter years.
Nerchowk medical college becomes another flashpoint
Guleria strongly defended the development of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital at Nerchowk, saying the institution had witnessed a major expansion of medical infrastructure and specialised services.
He said the facilities now being developed at Nerchowk were beyond what people could have imagined a few years ago and claimed that the government was strengthening the institution so that patients from Mandi and adjoining areas could access advanced treatment closer to home.
Guleria also raised questions about expenditure during the previous BJP regime and alleged that around ₹60 crore had been paid to contractors. He said the BJP legislator should also explain the work and expenditure undertaken during his party’s tenure instead of focusing only on the present government.
‘People will decide Gandhi’s political future’
Guleria further accused Gandhi of failing to present a substantive account of his achievements and said routine works such as transformer inaugurations should not be projected as major development achievements.
He advised the MLA to exercise greater restraint while speaking in public and said an elected representative should verify facts before making allegations against the government or senior political leaders.
In a particularly sharp political attack, Guleria said Gandhi should be mindful of his own political position and warned him against what he described as “unnecessary and irresponsible” statements.
“The people of Balh are watching everything. They know who has worked for the constituency and who has only made statements. Ultimately, it is the people who will decide,” Guleria said.
The exchange has further intensified the political contest in Balh, with the Congress and BJP leaders now trading increasingly direct allegations over development, political conduct and the record of their respective governments.
