S Gopal Puri / Munish Sood
Nurpur: In a move reflecting a brewing political showdown, the Congress fielded Ambar Mahajan, a relatively junior leader and son of former MLA Ajay Mahajan, to counter BJP’s stalwart and former minister Rakesh Pathania. Ambar’s video statement, accusing Pathania of defaulting on ₹25 lakh owed to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
Rebuttal to Pathania’s Allegations
Ambar dismissed Rakesh Pathania’s recent statements as baseless and misleading, accusing the BJP of attempting to divert public attention from their shortcomings. “The BJP’s narrative lacks credibility, and their allegations are an affront to the judiciary and public intelligence,” he asserted.
The statement has sparked political debates, with critics arguing that Ambar lacks the political stature to take on a seasoned leader like Pathania, who has a strong foothold in Nurpur.
Allegations of Financial Irregularities
Ambar Mahajan alleged that the pending ₹25 lakh dates back to Pathania’s tenure during the BJP-led government and questioned why the former minister is now attacking the Sukhu government. “Pathania’s failure to settle dues with HPTDC speaks volumes about the BJP’s governance,” Ambar said.
Pathania’s Hotel Project Under Scrutiny
Ambar also targeted Pathania for his role in a stalled hotel project in Nurpur. “This property, constructed under Pathania’s leadership, remains non-operational. He owes an explanation to the people of Nurpur,” he added.
The Congress has capitalized on this issue, with HPTDC Chairman RS Bali assuring swift action to revive the project. Bali has also committed to developing the property into a premium tourism destination as part of the Congress government’s broader tourism agenda.
Strengthening Tourism: A Congress Strategy
Ambar highlighted the Sukhu government’s plans to revitalize Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector, including renovations of HPTDC properties and collaborative efforts with IAS officers. “A comprehensive plan will be unveiled in three months to transform Himachal into a tourism hub,” he stated, emphasizing the Congress government’s proactive approach.
A Calculated Move or Misstep?
The Congress’s decision to field a junior leader like Ambar Mahajan against a seasoned figure like Rakesh Pathania is being viewed as both a calculated risk and a potential move. While Ambar’s criticism has garnered media attention, detractors argue that it underscores the Congress’s reliance on senior leaders.
For the BJP, the challenge lies in countering these allegations without allowing the Congress to dominate the narrative. Insiders suggest Pathania’s team is preparing a robust rebuttal to address the accusations and shift focus to the Sukhu government’s performance.