Daijiworld Media Network - Bilaspur

Bilaspur, Mar 6: BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of “mental bankruptcy” and lack of leadership vision. Addressing a public gathering in his hometown Bilaspur, he criticized the Congress for being a party run by "brothers, sisters, and mothers" rather than dedicated workers, claiming it had strayed from its founding principles.

Nadda challenged the Congress by asking if it still upheld the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose—a question met with a resounding "No" from the crowd. He further accused the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government of misusing central funds meant for housing and infrastructure, instead diverting them towards salaries and pensions.

Highlighting the lack of Congress leadership during disasters, Nadda pointed out that no senior Congress leader visited Himachal Pradesh during recent natural calamities. In contrast, he, Anurag Thakur, and Jai Ram Thakur made multiple visits and ensured financial aid from the Centre.

Listing key achievements of the Modi government, Nadda emphasized the transformation of healthcare in Himachal Pradesh. The state now boasts AIIMS Bilaspur, a PGI Satellite Centre, four medical colleges, a Mother and Child Hospital, a Cancer Centre, and a Super Specialty Medical Block. "When BJP comes to power, there is clear improvement in the quality of life," he declared. Recalling his tenure as an MLA, he noted how 95% of villages received paved roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, whereas earlier, MLAs could sanction only Rs 40 lakh for 50 roads.

Nadda mocked the state government’s inefficiency, saying it was “running on God’s mercy” and dealing with trivial scandals involving chicken and samosas. He revealed that the state still owes Rs 355 crore under Ayushman Bharat and is failing to run welfare programs like Himcare, with Rs 14.5 crore pending payments to PGI hospitals.

Under the Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care Scheme (Himcare), eligible families receive cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year at empaneled hospitals. However, due to financial mismanagement, the scheme is at risk.

With elections approaching, Nadda’s speech reinforced the BJP’s commitment to governance, transparency, and development, while exposing Congress’s shortcomings in leadership and administration.