DHARAMSALA: A political controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh as the state government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, faces sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a recent salary hike. Advocate Vishwa Chakshu, the BJP's State Media Co-in-charge and former Media Coordinator for the Himachal Government, has accused Chief Minister Sukhu of engaging in hypocrisy and dramatics during a time of economic crisis.
Speaking to the media in Dharamshala, Chakshu highlighted the decision to increase the monthly salary of the Chairman of the Labor Welfare Board, a close associate of Sukhu, by Rs 1 lakh, bringing it to a total of Rs 1.30 lakh. This move, he claimed, is a slap in the face to state employees who are already protesting against the government over pending dearness allowance (DA) and arrears.
Chakshu alleged that the Sukhu government has been misleading the public about the state's financial woes for the past 18 months, while simultaneously ensuring financial benefits for the Chief Minister's friends and associates. He further accused Sukhu of double standards, noting that just two days ago, the Chief Minister lamented the state's financial difficulties in the legislative assembly, only for a notification regarding the salary hike to be issued shortly thereafter.
In a scathing remark, Chakshu suggested that Chief Minister Sukhu should resign and join a drama troupe, where he could continue to "fool the people." He warned that if the government does not revoke this salary hike, the BJP would be compelled to take to the streets in protest.
The BJP's criticism adds to the mounting pressure on the Sukhu government, which is already facing backlash from state employees over financial issues. The situation is poised to escalate as opposition parties and government employees alike demand accountability and transparency from the state leadership.