Dharamshala: Barely days after Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu held a promising meeting at the Dharamshala Secretariat, a financial controversy has erupted, shaking the political landscape of Kangra. Reports of ₹160 crore, meant for public compensation for expansion of Kangra airport, being transferred from Kangra Central Cooperative Bank to private banks have cast a shadow over the recent assurances made by the government.
Leading newspapers on Thursday revealed the transfer, alleging that private firms stand to gain crores from the move. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the public, undermining the Congress government’s recent efforts to solidify its standing in the politically significant district of Kangra.
Renewed Hopes Turn Sour
During his visit, CM Sukhu had signaled a renewed focus on Kangra, a district that has historically been central to Himachal Pradesh’s politics. From the era of Y.S. Parmar to the regimes of leaders like Virbhadra Singh, Prem Kumar Dhumal, and Jairam Thakur, Kangra has often been the fulcrum of state governance. Sukhu’s visit was seen as a continuation of this legacy, with assurances of development projects like the Gaggal Airport expansion aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and employment.
“Kangra has been a politically significant district but has often been left behind in terms of direct benefits from governance. This government is determined to change that,” Sukhu had declared confidently.
A Legacy of Promises and Discontent
Kangra’s political significance cannot be overstated—it has been a battleground for aspirations and power struggles for decades. The Dharamshala Secretariat, a symbol of governance decentralization, has hosted winter sessions and witnessed significant policy announcements. Leaders like Prem Kumar Dhumal elevated Dharamshala to the status of a sports capital, while Sukhu aims to make Kangra the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Yet, promises have often remained unfulfilled. The demand for a High Court bench in Dharamshala, lingering for over four decades, remains unmet. Even recent moves like establishing the Chief Minister’s Office in Dehra have sparked criticism from opposition parties, branding them as political stunts rather than meaningful reforms.
Public Outrage and Political Fallout
The controversy surrounding the transfer of ₹160 crore has only added fuel to the fire. Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to question the government’s intentions, accusing it of favoring private interests over public welfare. The issue has not only raised doubts about fiscal transparency but also sullied the public image of the Sukhu administration in Kangra, a district crucial for any political party’s success in Himachal Pradesh.
As Sukhu’s government attempts to navigate this storm, Kangra’s electorate remains watchful. The district, with its rich political history and immense potential, has long demanded more than symbolic gestures. Whether Sukhu can turn promises into tangible results—or whether this controversy becomes another chapter in Kangra’s saga of unfulfilled aspirations—remains to be seen.
For now, Kangra listens with skepticism as Dharamshala resonates with the echoes of promises, controversies, and the enduring hope for meaningful change.
