Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 23 : The Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, on Friday strongly rejected BJP allegations that the state government violated the Model Code of Conduct by holding a Cabinet meeting during the ongoing local body and Panchayati Raj elections.
Responding to BJP criticism, the minister accused the opposition of indulging in "negative politics" and attempting to divert public attention from inflation, rising fuel prices and the Centre's economic policies.
"There are two kinds of thinking: positive and negative. BJP leaders do not want to see any good work being done by the Congress government," Negi said while reacting to the BJP's allegations over the Cabinet meeting
The minister alleged that the previous BJP government had left Himachal Pradesh in severe financial distress despite having the advantage of a "double-engine government" at the Centre and in the state.
"They had a golden opportunity to strengthen Himachal economically, but instead kept surviving on loans. The BJP government took loans of nearly Rs 75,000 crore and also left liabilities of employees and pensioners. They left a burden of over Rs 1 lakh crore on the state," he claimed.
Negi also dismissed the BJP's criticism over the outcome of recent urban local body elections, claiming that Congress was poised to form councils in more than 26 civic bodies, while the BJP was trailing behind despite its "clean sweep" claims.
Launching a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government, the minister accused the Centre of failing to control inflation and fuel prices.
"Petrol and diesel prices have reached record highs despite international crude oil prices not rising proportionately. LPG cylinder prices have also increased drastically. The common man is suffering," he said.
Negi further alleged that the BJP was trying to divert attention from economic hardships and accused the Centre of compromising India's sovereign decision-making in its dealings with the United States.
Referring to the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India and discussions around India-US strategic cooperation, Negi claimed that the Centre was becoming excessively dependent on American interests.
"The US always works for its own strategic and economic interests. India should protect its sovereignty and independent foreign policy traditions," he said, invoking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and India's historic non-alignment policy.
The minister also expressed apprehension over possible trade agreements with the US, alleging that such deals could adversely impact Indian farmers and domestic interests.
In a strongly worded political remark, Negi said the BJP should "accept responsibility" for the country's economic situation.
"People are facing rising prices every week. The coming time appears economically frightening for ordinary citizens," he said.