Senior Congress leader GS Bali Sunday alleged the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh has "failed" to generate employment during its one year in office and its "misrule" has led to cement and electricity being sold at higher prices in the state.
Addressing a press conference here, the former minister said he will tour the entire state soon to make people aware about the issues of unemployment, drugs and high prices of cement and electricity, the two commodities the state produces.
The Jai Ram Thakur-led government recently completed one year in office and Prime Minister Modi visited the state to mark the occasion on December 27.
"During his recent visit to Dharamshala, PM Modi gave the certificate to the BJP government in HP that it is working hard and with honesty. But the real certificate will be given by the voters of the state in the coming Lok Sabha elections," he said.
In the first year of its rule, the Thakur government has failed in the employment sector, he said.
"The unemployment number has now crossed 10-lakh mark. It has withdrawn unemployment allowance started by the Congress government in the state. Our government made Rs 150 cr provision for unemployment allowance in the budget," he said, adding the drug menace has "spread like a virus" in the state during the past one year.
Himachal produces cement and electricity and both the commodities are being sold at much higher rates in the state compared to the neighbouring states, he said.
"It is a result of the misrule of the BJP government in the state," he said.
Bali said he will tour the entire state soon to raise the issues of unemployment, drugs and high prices of cement and electricity before the masses.
"It is a social cause for me and I will take it to the logical conclusion," he added.
He asked the BJP government as to how many new projects and industries it brought to the state in the past one year.
Asked about the 2019 general elections, Bali said that there is a set procedure in Congress for the allotment of tickets. If the party asks, he will fight election from the Kangra seat.
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