In a strong rebuttal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused the BJP of spreading false narratives about the state for political gain, particularly ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections. Speaking at a gathering in Barwala, Haryana, on October 2, 2024, Sukhu took aim at the BJP’s attempts to undermine Himachal Pradesh’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Betrayed by the Centre: A Tale of Neglect During Crisis

Sukhu’s accusations come in response to what he described as misleading statements by BJP leaders, including PM Modi, who have raised questions about Himachal’s progress and governance. The CM, with a tone of indignation, pointed out the stark contrast between the rhetoric of the BJP and the reality of how the state handled last year’s devastating floods.

“While the BJP has continuously criticized Himachal in their election rallies, they conveniently ignore the fact that when the state was ravaged by unprecedented rains, the Centre stood idle. Despite multiple appeals, the Modi government did not respond to our calls for help,” said Sukhu. “In contrast, we, with our limited resources, managed to announce an economic relief package of ₹4,500 crore to support the people of Himachal during their time of need."

A Story of Resilience and Responsibility

Sukhu’s statements emphasize the stark reality of Himachal Pradesh’s recovery and the leadership the state displayed during the crisis. The natural disaster, which caused widespread devastation, left many families homeless and disrupted livelihoods. While the state faced these challenges, the BJP’s inaction was a bitter pill for the people of Himachal.

“The people of Himachal have shown incredible strength, and our government has worked tirelessly to restore normalcy,” Sukhu continued. “Yet, in their pursuit of petty politics, BJP leaders have chosen to ignore the truth and instead have spread falsehoods about our state.”

Himachal’s Journey Toward Self-Reliance

The Himachal CM underscored that, despite the lack of federal assistance, the state had made remarkable progress toward becoming self-reliant. Sukhu emphasized that the state’s development goals were not just about short-term political victories but about long-term empowerment, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and infrastructure.

“We are committed to making Himachal a model of self-reliance. Our people’s resilience, coupled with our government’s vision, will ensure that we continue to progress, even without relying on the Centre’s empty promises,” Sukhu declared.

A Call for Truth and Integrity in Politics

In his speech, Sukhu also called for political discourse that prioritizes truth and integrity over political opportunism. “It’s time that politics rise above the petty games. Instead of focusing on misleading narratives, let’s focus on the real issues that affect the lives of millions. The people of Himachal deserve honesty and accountability.”

As the controversy continues, the Chief Minister’s words resonate with the citizens of Himachal, many of whom are still recovering from the losses they faced in the aftermath of the floods. Sukhu’s call for unity and truth serves as a reminder that, even in times of political friction, the well-being of the people must remain the central concern.