Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 9 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from the Shimla Parliamentary constituency, Suresh Kashyap participated in the active membership campaign of the BJP in Shimla on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI after the event, he detailed the current political landscape of the state and launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government.
"Today, our Shimla Active Member Conference, organized by the Urban Mandal, is being held for our active members. There are 27,000 active members in the state and 234 in Shimla. This is a conference for those active party workers," Kashyap said.
He added that similar conferences are being conducted across the country by the BJP to strengthen grassroots participation and reaffirm commitment among its cadres.
"The BJP is currently the world's largest political party with 18 crore members. Our membership drive has just started, and in Himachal Pradesh alone, the BJP has created a base of 18 lakh members, including 27,000 active members," he stated.
"The goal is to ensure that the BJP moves ahead with strength," he said.
Kashyap took the opportunity to highlight the BJP's expanding political footprint.
"Today, BJP has its own government in 13 states, and in six more states, we are in power through coalition governments. After 27 years, we have formed the government in Delhi. Our neighbour, Haryana, has elected a BJP-led government for the third consecutive time. In Maharashtra, too, we are in power. This campaign is ongoing and gaining momentum," he said.
Turning his focus to Himachal Pradesh, Kashyap criticized the ruling Congress government for what he called administrative failure and financial mismanagement.
"The people of Himachal made a mistake in choosing the current government. Today, employees, youth, and women are realizing that error. The state is sinking under the burden of debt -- we have already crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark," he said.
"If Himachal Pradesh does not receive deficit grants from the Central Government, then the state would not even be able to pay salaries or pensions to its employees," he warned.
He accused the state government of failing to fulfill its election promises and guarantees.
"Employees feel cheated regarding OPS (Old Pension Scheme), youth are still waiting for jobs, and women are still waiting for the promised Rs 1,500 per month. Even the promise to buy cow dung from farmers hasn't been fulfilled. Now, even carrying items like a laptop or a pressure cooker in buses incurs tax," he added.
Suresh Kashyap also raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Himachal Pradesh.
"The death of Vimal Negi is a stark reminder of what's going on. The state is being gripped by liquor, drug, forest, and cremation mafias. Law and order have completely collapsed. The public feels betrayed by the Congress party. Early elections are becoming inevitable given the worsening situation," he asserted.
"Today, every development work being carried out in Himachal Pradesh is being done solely with the help of the Central Government," Kashyap emphasized.
"We have consistently raised Himachal's issues in Parliament and with Union Ministers -- be it roads, water, or employment. Only then has central assistance been provided," he added further.
He also accused the state government of failing to utilize effectively the central funds it receives.
"Even the money that is coming from the Centre is not being spent properly by the state government. The situation has become so dire that without central support, Himachal Pradesh cannot pay its employees or pensioners. That's the current reality of the state," he said.
Commenting on rising fuel prices, Kashyap said, "Petrol and diesel prices are influenced by global market fluctuations. We are a consumer nation and depend on imports, so global changes affect us directly."
Expressing his confidence, Kashyap said that BJP will return to power in Himachal Pradesh with a full majority.
"The people have seen through the Congress government's failures. BJP will form the government once again, and this time with even greater strength," he added.