Himachal CM accuses PM Modi of misusing central investigative agencies

Virbhadra Singh also said the union government had failed to address the core issues and problems faced by the country

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Tuesday accused NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "misusing" central investigating agencies like CBI, Income Tax department and Enforcement Directorate against political opponents.

Addressing a Youth Congress rally for empowering the Panchayati Raj Institutions representatives at Mandi, Singh accused the Central government of "misusing" Enforcement Directorate, CBI and Income Tax Department against its political opponents.

He said the Union Government had "failed to address the core issues" and problems faced by the country and was engaged only in "victimising and harassing" the political rivals.

He said that provision had been made in the 14th Finance Commission for devolution of funds for developmental works to panchayats but there was no such provision for Zila Parishads and Panchayati Samitis.

He said that he had taken up this issue personally with the prime minister and was hopeful that provisions would be made for Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis as well.

But, in case the Centre did not agree for this, the state government would provide appropriate funds for carrying out developmental activities.

Singh said the government had constituted 'Niti Ayog' in place of 'Yojna Ayog' and being a chief minister he was also its member but till today he was unaware about the working of the Commission.

Commenting on two years of the Modi Government, he said their claims of development had been confined only to publicity and nothing had been done on the ground level.

He claimed that the Union Government had failed to fulfill promises made during the election campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur said the state government was committed to overall development and welfare of the people of the state.