Shimla: Former chief minister and present leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday accused chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of taking political credit for Supreme Court’s Nov 6 verdict on Himachal Pradesh’s electricity share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), saying it was the outcome of a 30-year legal battle involving successive govts and Centre.Addressing a news conference, the former chief minister said the state’s struggle began after Punjab’s reorganisation in 1966. In 1996, then Virbhadra Singh govt approached Supreme Court, which, on Sept 27, 2011, recognised Himachal’s 7.19% power share during BJP govt led by Prem Kumar Dhumal.Thakur said his govt had decided in Jan 2018 to pursue negotiations for the return of differential energy. With Centre’s intervention and mediation by the attorney general, a cashless settlement was subsequently worked out. Under the latest arrangement, Himachal will receive 11,973 million units of electricity over 20 years after adjustment of capital liabilities, including around 598 million units annually during the six winter months.Questioning Sukhu’s contribution, Thakur said the verdict was based on facts and merits, with Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi playing an important role. He urged the state govt to restore 125 free electricity units and ensure round-the-clock power supply.He also asked Sukhu to fulfil the Congress’s promise of 300 units of free electricity and end power cuts affecting industries and rural areas. Thakur accused the state govt of misleading people through announcements while employees awaited dearness allowance (DA), arrears and medical bill payments.He also questioned state govt’s claims of making Himachal self-reliant, alleging that rising debt reflected the state’s deteriorating financial position. The leader of opposition claimed the Congress govt would be defeated in next year’s state assembly elections.
