Mafias flourishing under Virbhadra's rule in HP: Anurag Thakur

Shimla, Aug 14: BJP MP from Hamirpur and BCCI president Anurag Thakur today lashed out at Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for allegedly "shielding mafias" while the common man was suffering.

"Only mafias are flourishing under the Virbhadra Singh government while the common man is suffering," he said after launching the 'Tiranga Yatra' of his party to celebrate 70 years of Independence at Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district.

Noting that as many as 70 "pro-people" initiatives of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre would be highlighted during the 'yatra', Thakur said, "It is extremely unfortunate that in spite of progressive initiatives of the Centre, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has failed miserably to implement the social welfare schemes in right earnest."

"Instead, drugs, mining, liquor and forest mafias are prospering in the state and its resources are being plundered. The government is a party to this plunder and loot," he alleged.

The BJP leader claimed that there was a time when Himachal Pradesh was the number one state with over 75 awards but now, it had dropped to the 22nd spot with a debt liability of over Rs 45,384 crore.

"The farmers are in distress, the unemployed youth is restive, governance has failed and the visionless government is helpless," Thakur alleged.

PTI