Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) arrears in favour of the state. However, the party asserted that the credit for this legal victory belongs not to any single government but to the cumulative efforts of successive regimes over several decades.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that BJP MLA and State Chief Spokesperson Randhir Sharma, addressing a press conference in Shimla, objected to what he termed the Chief Minister’s attempt to claim exclusive credit for the legal triumph. Sharma emphasized that a comprehensive assessment of the judgment’s implications would only be possible after a thorough examination of the complete order.
The BBMB matter has been a subject of legal proceedings in the Supreme Court since 1996, Sharma noted. He highlighted that various governments, irrespective of their political affiliations, have consistently pursued Himachal Pradesh’s legitimate interests in this long-standing dispute. The recent outcome, therefore, is a testament to the collective endeavors of different administrations over many years, rather than the achievement of one specific Chief Minister.
Sharma recalled the significant contributions made by former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, stating that the BJP government played an important role in securing 12 per cent free power for Himachal Pradesh from hydroelectric projects. He maintained that the BJP has consistently advocated for the state’s rightful share in its natural resources and remains committed to protecting Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
Furthermore, Sharma alluded to the Kishau Dam project, alleging that the Congress government had similarly sought to claim credit for developments that were the result of efforts initiated and pursued by successive governments, including those at the Centre.
In addition to the BBMB issue, the BJP spokesperson also voiced criticism regarding the state government’s reported proposal to transfer the historic Peterhoff Guest House in Shimla under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He raised questions about the reported decision to discontinue bookings at the guest house after November 25 and the plan to permit a private operator to redevelop the property.
Concerns were also expressed over reports suggesting that other hotels and restaurants managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) might also be handed over to private operators. The party indicated that it would continue to monitor these developments and voice concerns regarding assets of public importance.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which concluded a six-decade-long power dispute, mandated Punjab and Haryana to provide Himachal Pradesh with 11,973 Million Units (MU) of electricity over a period of 20 years. This verdict is seen as a significant financial and resource gain for the hill state, addressing a long-standing grievance related to its share of power generated from projects located within its territories.
The historical context of the BBMB dispute involves the division of power and revenue generated from the Bhakra dam and Beas projects, which straddle multiple states. Himachal Pradesh, as a co-basin state, has historically sought a larger share of the power and financial benefits derived from these projects, arguing that its contribution through land and resources has been substantial.
The legal battle, which spanned over 25 years, saw various legal arguments and negotiations. The Supreme Court’s final decision provides a clear framework for the distribution of electricity, offering substantial relief and a potential boost to Himachal Pradesh’s energy resources and financial standing. The BJP’s stance underscores a political narrative emphasizing continuity and collective governmental effort in securing the state’s rights, while also taking the opportunity to critique the ruling party’s approach to credit attribution and governance in other areas.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
