Four-time BJP MLA Harbhajan Singh Cheema has trained guns on chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat for lack of funds that is hampering work in his constituency.
Cheema, who is Akali Dal state president but had been contesting on the BJP symbol, said it is unfortunate that the legislators are getting little or no financial assistance to undertake development works in their constituencies.
“This is not alone my concern...Many other BJP legislators are going through similar ordeal,” Cheema told HT over phone on Tuesday. The BJP legislator said he approached chief minister to sanction ₹28 crore to repair major roads in his constituency – Kashipur – an industrial city in Udham Singh Nagar district.
“The CM gave direction but the department secretary cleared the picture by telling they don’t have adequate funds.” Cheema added Rawat informed him that Uttarakhand approached the Centre for financial assistance.
The Akali Dal leader also targeted social welfare minister Yashpal Arya who represents neighbouring Bajpur constituency. Cheema said Arya’s constituency got due attention in the Congress regime and again when he is with the BJP while there were no takers for constituencies like one he represents.
Many legislators who don’t wish to come on record like Cheema agree with him. For instance, a first-time MLA from Kumaon who was earlier affiliated with the Congress said party legislators have lost ‘respect’. “It is really becoming hard to justify our position. Voters expect a lot from us and we have little to offer,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Many legislators who don’t wish to come on record like Cheema agree with him. For instance, a first-time MLA from Kumaon who was earlier affiliated with the Congress said party legislators have lost ‘respect’. “It is really becoming hard to justify our position. Voters expect a lot from us and we have little to offer,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}But BJP state president Ajay Bhatt played down Cheema’s allegations. “There could be certain issues (of legislators) but definitely legislators are not against the government or party”.