Shimla- In a scathing rebuke of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu denounced "BJP politically driven protests surrounding the Salooni murder case". He lambasted the BJP's actions as baseless and accused them of exploiting the tragedy for their own nefarious gains. On other BJP staged statewide dharnas in support of the murder victim, Manohar Lal, family, terming the Sukhu government anti-majority community.
Responding to mediapersons here today after BJP state wide Tirade against him, Chief Minister said the speed at which the police apprehended all the accused involved in the murder was unparallel.
The police have ensured that the accused including their family members were in swift custody within a mere 24 hours, CM claimed without naming the arrested persons.
However, Sukhu remained unfazed by the public outrage in Chamba.
He expressed his dismay at the BJP's relentless clamor. He deemed their demand for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry "irrational and unnecessary".
Sukhu pointedly reminded the BJP, as the ruling party at the Centre, of their authority to initiate an NIA investigation by simply lifting a phone of Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur to make a call.
Sukhu did not respond to former CM Jai Ram Thakur;'s demand for the NIA Probe investigating as to how the main accused Shabir Ali amassed Rs 2 Crore in his bank account and 100 bigha of land in Salooni area.
Without mincing his words, the Chief Minister squarely accused the BJP of shamelessly capitalizing on the situation, cynically eyeing the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections for their own self-serving agendas.
Sukhu admonished the BJP for willfully perpetuating unrest and agitation, despite the government's swift action ensuring justice for the victim and the prompt arrests made in the case.
Keeping up Congress "secular agenda", Sukhu sternly criticized the BJP's youth wing, Yuva Morcha, for their abhorrent act of setting ablaze the houses of the accused five days after the incident.
Expressing sheer disbelief, the Chief Minister questioned the BJP's twisted logic, highlighting the government's repeated assurances of delivering justice.
Sukhu labeled BJP's ongoing protests as nothing short of "dirty politics that speak of their blatant disregard for welfare of the state".
Chief Minister Sukhu underscored the urgent need for the BJP to prioritize the well-being of Himachal Pradesh and rally behind crucial issues such as water cess and fair royalty in various hydropower projects.
He called for the opposition party to focus their energy on advocating for the state's legitimate rights, rather than engaging in divisive acts of protest.
BJP Demands Justice in Chamba Murder, Seeks NIA Probe
On the other hand BJP staged dharna in Shimla and in all the 12 district headquaters, seeking justice for the family of Manohar, whose dismembered body was recovered from the drain by the police after five days after he went mission on June 6.
BJP President Dr Rajeev Bindal demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into the incident.
He also highlighted the need to address illegal land occupation and previous disappearances. BJP warned of a mass movement if justice isn't served.
BJP protestors raised anti-Sukhu government Slogans and termed the Congress government as "anti against the particular community".
