Section 118 flouted, govt silent – Congress has put Himachal’s very existence at stake
BJP state spokesperson Sandipani Bhardwaj launched a scathing attack on the Congress government over the possible violations of Section 118 and irregularities that surfaced in the Chester Hill Township case, saying that this case is not just about one project, but is an example of the Congress’s mentality of “putting the entire Himachal on sale”.
He said that land and resources are being openly looted in the state and the Congress government is remaining a mute spectator.
“Today the situation is such that the slogan ‘Himachal on sale’ has become a reality – the Congress has put the state’s existence at stake as soon as it came to power,” he said.
“Violation of Section 118, 275 bighas of land and 500 flats—under whose protection?”
Sandipani Bhardwaj said that the development on 275 bighas of land in Chester Hill Township and construction of around 500 residential units, along with complaints of violation of Section 118, raise serious questions.
“When construction is happening on such a large scale and complaints have been coming in for months, why has the administration remained silent? Under whose pressure has action not been taken?” he asked.
“Officials are involved in corruption, government has lost control.”
He alleged that the officials in the state are involved in corruption and the government has no control over them.
“The administrative machinery in Himachal today has become accountable—development work has been eclipsed by official feuds and corruption,” he said.
“Investors and local people cheated”
The BJP spokesperson said that this entire issue has created a situation of uncertainty for investors and has increased the concerns of local residents.
“The policies of the Congress government have not only affected investment but also damaged the image of Himachal across the country,” he said.
“It is not Congress rule, it is the ‘deal model’ that is in place.”
Sandipani Bhardwaj alleged that the Congress government was doing “politics of deals and patronage” in the name of development.
“This government is working not in the public interest but in the interest of a select few—that is why the law is being flouted and those responsible are being protected,” he said.
“BJP demands fair investigation and accountability”
Finally, he demanded that an impartial investigation of this entire matter should be conducted by an independent agency and strict action should be taken against the culprits.
“Himachal Pradesh is not a commodity to be sold – the BJP will fight at every level to protect the state’s honour and resources,” he said.
