Ex-Speaker accuses govt of financial mismanagement, suppressing media

Former Speaker and BJP in-charge of Kangra parliamentary constituency, Vipin Parmar, has accused the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government of failing on multiple fronts, leading to frustration and suppression of the media and common people.

Speaking at a press conference in Jassur, Parmar highlighted the registration of an FIR against a senior journalist in Dharamshala, alleging that it was a reaction to his coverage of the Haryana Assembly elections.

Parmar further accused the state government of financial mismanagement, claiming that it had failed to utilise Rs 140 crore allocated by the Central Government for disaster relief after last year’s rains. He stated that the state’s financial crisis is evident, as it is relying on central taxes and grants to pay salaries and pensions. Development activities, he alleged, have stagnated since the Sukhu government came to power two years ago.

He criticised the government for imposing taxes on electricity and water and for withdrawing public welfare schemes initiated by the previous Jairam government, which has worsened the common man’s plight. Parmar also alleged that funds meant for panchayat development in Kangra district were diverted for the Kangra Carnival, further harming local development.

Additionally, he accused the state government of failing to fulfill pre-election promises such as providing Rs 1500 monthly financial assistance to women aged 18 to 60, offering 300 units of free electricity to households, and purchasing cow dung at Rs 2 per kg. Parmar claimed that the people of the state now feel politically deceived by the unfulfilled promises.

The press conference followed a BJP membership workshop in Nurpur, where Parmar announced that around 14 lakh members had been enrolled in the party’s ongoing campaign.