Shimla: Former industries minister and BJP MLA Bikram Thakur on Tuesday attacked the Congress-led state govt in Himachal Pradesh, alleging a complete lack of industrial investment, employment generation, and infrastructure development during its nearly four years in office.Addressing a press conference, Thakur challenged CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to name any major industrial units set up under his tenure and disclose official figures on jobs created and hydropower projects commissioned.Thakur accused the ruling administration of failing to deliver on key pre-poll promises, including the ₹1,500 monthly stipend for women, one lakh annual jobs, and 300 units of free power.Touching upon the recent Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) verdict, the BJP leader dismissed Sukhu’s claims of credit, stating that the legal fight for Himachal Pradesh’s rights was initiated by former CM Shanta Kumar in 1977 and carried forward by the Prem Kumar Dhumal-led govt.Demanding transparency, Thakur called for a white paper on overall industrial investment, state expenditure, power output at Una district’s Pekhubela solar project, and the status of the probe into former chief engineer Vimal Negi’s case.Highlighting financial strain, the former minister cited mounting state debt, stalled development projects, and unpaid dues of government employees and retirees.Thakur challenged Sukhu to an open debate on key state issues—including the BBMB verdict, Kishau Dam project, Wildflower Hall hotel dispute, industrial investments, and poll guarantees—demanding accountability through documented facts rather than publicity claims.
