DHARAMSALA: Treasurer and senior leader of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Party, Dr. Rajesh Sharma, launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, highlighting the party's failure to advance an inch or its broad gauge conversion of the Pathankot Jogindernagar railway line, a historic British-era infrastructure, despite the BJP's claims of a dual engine government at the Center and in the state, Dr. Sharma emphasized that not only has the old railway line not been expanded, but the central government has also failed to repair the Chakki Bridge washed away in a flood two years ago.
Talking to press , Dr. Sharma underscored the consequences of this stagnation, pointing out that the lack of railway connectivity hinders the availability of essential goods in the state. He argued that if the railway infrastructure were enhanced, not only would materials become more accessible, but it could potentially contribute to lowering inflation rates, benefiting the people.
Expressing discontent with the BJP's performance, Dr. Sharma predicted that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections would be a ground for the people to voice their dissatisfaction. Despite Kangra having BJP’s representation in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, he lamented that the region has not received the desired support from the central government.
On a positive note, Dr. Sharma commended the ‘Sarkar Gaon Ki Aur ‘ scheme initiated by the Congress led state government, emphasizing its role in addressing people's issues at the grassroots level. He acknowledged Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's efforts to position Kangra as the tourism capital, expressing optimism about tangible results on the ground.
While discussing broader political themes, Dr. Sharma criticized the BJP for allegedly playing politics with the Ram Temple issue. He stressed that Lord Rama belongs to everyone, and the Congress party respects all deities, rejecting the communalization of religious matters for political gains.