Guv-CM Tussle in Himachal. Shukla Pats his one back and Sings praises for UP's Yogi Government and PM's Nasha Mukta Bharat Mantra. He paints a dismal picture of Sukhu government's track record at a press conference here today at Raj Bhawan.
SHIMLA, July 24: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has turned up the heat on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
He has slammed the state government’s laxity in tackling the spiralling drug menace.
He accused the state government of dragging its feet on setting up de-addiction centres — warning that Himachal is on the verge of becoming “Udta Himachal” on the lines of drug-ravaged Punjab.
In his first press conference at Raj Bhawan, a combative Shukla not only flaunted his "grassroots" anti-drug campaigns but also pulled up the Sukhu government for its failure to open even a single new rehab centre despite the alarming rise in NDPS cases.
"When I started the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign in Himachal, many said it won’t work. But today panchayats, mahila mandals, youth and even schools are stepping up.
If I hadn’t pushed it, this movement wouldn’t have taken off," Shukla said, crediting the media for amplifying his campaign.
Drug Fight Turns Political
Referring to the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh as an example, particularly CM Yogi’s Varanasi model, the Governor said he initiated similar grassroots de-addiction drives across Himachal.
"In Varanasi, the program ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva, Ab Vikas Bharat’ was a huge success. We tried to replicate it here, but the state government didn't match the intent," he said.
He pointed out that NDPS cases in Himachal have shot up by a staggering 340% in the last decade — from around 500 cases in 2012 to over 2,200 in 2023.
However, another way of looking at is Himachal has stepped up its anti-drug drives that has led to nabbing of number of the drug smugglers.
But Shukla pinned the state government saying: “The only functional government rehab is in Kullu.
No new centres have been opened despite land being available in Sirmaur. I wrote to the CM and all MLAs to act in their own segments and they should step up".
From Raj Bhawan to Villages
Shukla has not limited himself to ceremonial duties. “I went to Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri’s constituency to hold an anti-drug drive myself.
If the government doesn’t act, I will,” he asserted, adding that MLAs should visit their constituencies not just for votes, but also to fight drugs.
He said many panchayats have now started naming local peddlers and helping police, thanks to increased awareness.
“Some colleges have even introduced rules stating students found with drugs could be expelled,” he said.
He further said he has shared Himachal’s anti-drug model with other Governors and Central ministries and wants to take the Kashi Sankalp campaign national — but with more support from state machinery.
While he insisted he has "no issues with the CM personally," his pointed remarks say otherwise.
“I’m not saying the government is not serious. But intent must translate into action. If we don’t act now, five years later we’ll be sitting with our hands tied, watching Himachal fall into the same trap as Punjab,” he warned.
"CM Should've Taken Jai Ram Thakur to Delhi"
In a rebuke, the Governor, responding to the media queries, also suggested that CM Sukhu missed an opportunity by not including former CM Jai Ram Thakur while seeking Central assistance post-disaster.
“The CM could have taken Jai Ram Thakur along to Delhi to project unity in the state's interest.
That would have helped in lobbying more effectively with the Centre,” he said.
Shukla said despite multiple letters, there’s no serious follow-up from the state on creating more rehab facilities or strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
He claimed the police force is also tangled in internal politics, and the government hasn’t even finalized the panel to appoint top cops.
The Bottom Line: A Political Line Drawn?
Critics see Shukla’s press conference as part of a growing cold war between Raj Bhawan and the Secretariat, with the Governor increasingly taking a proactive — some say political — role in state affairs.
They cite the appointment of VCs in state run universities, where Shukla has prevailed over the CM's choice.
He has been sitting on the bill that gives more teeth to CM in appointment of the VCs in state run universities, that get aids from the state, they added.
Shukla's press conference has clearly drawn the battle lines — with the Raj Bhawan positioning itself as the conscience keeper in the fight against drugs, and the state government accused of inertia.
While the Sukhu government has yet to officially respond, the ball is now in its court. Like in all other Congress ruled states, Governors have become proactive. On the other hand, the Governors all BJP ruled states, nobody knows about their presence.
Shukla in Himachal has just proved that fact and how the present political power system works in India.
#UdtaHimachal #ShuklaVsSukhu #NashaMuktBharat #RajBhawanActivism #DeaddictionCrisis
