TNR News Network
Dharamshala: BJP spokesperson Sanjay Sharma has criticized the Himachal Pradesh Congress government for allegedly attempting to claim undue credit in the long-standing Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) dues and state rights issue. He said the Congress government was misleading the public by ignoring the historical efforts made by previous governments to secure Himachal Pradesh’s rightful share.
In a press statement, Sharma said that during the reorganization of Punjab on November 1, 1966, Himachal Pradesh was entitled to a 7.19 percent share in assets and liabilities based on its population. However, successive Congress governments failed to ensure that the state received its legitimate rights.
He stated that the issue was first strongly raised in 1977 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, when the Janata Party government highlighted the injustice done to Himachal Pradesh and demanded the state’s rightful share in its natural resources. Later, during the BJP government led by Shanta Kumar in 1990, the matter was vigorously pursued before the Centre, resulting in in-principle approval for a 12 percent royalty on hydroelectric power generated in the state.
Sharma further said that in 1994, an “Adhikar Yatra” (Rights March) was organized to Delhi under Shanta Kumar’s leadership. Senior national leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and Madan Lal Khurana extended their support to Himachal Pradesh’s demands.
Referring to former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Sharma acknowledged that his government took the matter to the Supreme Court but alleged that the legal process moved slowly and failed to produce significant results for many years.
According to Sharma, the decisive push came after the BJP-HVC coalition government led by former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal assumed office in 1998. He claimed that the state intensified its legal efforts by appointing senior advocates and strengthening coordination in Delhi. These efforts eventually culminated in a landmark Supreme Court judgment on September 27, 2011, which upheld Himachal Pradesh’s entitlement to 12 percent royalty and payment of dues linked to its 7.19 percent share.
Sharma maintained that the principal credit for the struggle and success in the BBMB dues case should go to former Chief Ministers Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal. He said that while the current government may highlight benefits accruing to the state, it should not overlook the contribution and sustained efforts of previous governments.
He added that those who fought for Himachal Pradesh’s rights over several decades deserve due recognition, and historical facts should be presented accurately before the people.
