BJP govt has ignored development in Himachal: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday alleged that despite all efforts by the Centre, including an increase in funds for the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Himachal Pradesh has ignored the development of the state.

"Himachal has the capacity to become the best state in the country... but I regret to say that in the last five years, the BJP government in the state has neglected development," Singh said while addressing an election rally in Una.

Observing that the situation has changed for the worse in state since 1997, he said, "Himachal Pradesh again needs a new direction for development. I believe only Congress can do this. Congress party both in the state and at the Centre has always worked for the benefit of the people of Himachal Pradesh."

Singh claimed that whatever development took place in the state has been due to the Centre's efforts.

"I have no hesitation in saying that whatever development has taken place in the state in the last eight years, it is only because of the policies of the UPA government at the Centre," Singh said.

He pointed out that the hill state lacks resources and the Centre has been trying to chip in to deal with this.

"In the last three years, we have increased the central assistance by 30 per cent. We are also giving special assistance to Himachal Pradesh and in last three years the assistance has gone up from Rs 200 crore to Rs 900 crore," Singh said.