On the eve of the panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress party, accusing it of failing to deliver on its poll promises made during the assembly elections.
BJP's Allegations
The state BJP president, Rajeev Bindal, addressed a press conference in Shimla, highlighting several unfulfilled commitments by the Congress government. He specifically pointed out the promise of providing unemployment allowance to the youth, which remains unimplemented. Bindal also criticized the government for not restoring the old pension scheme (OPS) for government employees, a key electoral pledge.
Bindal further alleged that the Congress government had failed to control inflation and improve the economic condition of the state. He stated that the BJP would raise these issues during the panchayat poll campaign to educate voters about the 'misrule' of the Congress.
Congress Response
In response, Congress spokesperson Naresh Chauhan defended the government, stating that many promises have been fulfilled, including the implementation of the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides financial assistance to women. He claimed that the remaining promises would be fulfilled gradually due to the state's financial constraints.
Chauhan also accused the BJP of making false allegations to divert attention from its own failures during its previous tenure in the state.
Panchayat Polls Significance
The panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh are being held in three phases, with the first phase scheduled for Sunday. These elections are crucial for both parties as they are seen as a litmus test ahead of the next assembly elections. The BJP hopes to regain lost ground, while the Congress aims to consolidate its position after winning the assembly polls in December 2022.
Polling will take place across all 12 districts, with over 50 lakh voters eligible to cast their votes. The results will be declared on June 2.
