Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister Dr. Rajeev Saizal, along with state spokesperson Sandipani Bhardwaj, launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government over the alleged move to privatize hotels operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
Addressing the media, Dr. Saizal claimed that the state government has been completely exposed on the issue and lacks internal coordination. He pointed out that while HPTDC Chairman RS Bali has stated he has no information about the privatization of hotels, public statements suggest that the government is actively moving ahead with plans to hand over these properties to private players.
“This is not merely a dual policy but a clear example of a confused government,” Saizal said, accusing the Congress administration of sending contradictory signals.
He further alleged that HPTDC hotels, which have long served as a backbone of the state’s tourism development, are being pushed toward privatization under the pretext of financial losses. According to him, selling such assets amounts to disposing of valuable public property.
Taking a swipe at the government, Saizal said the Congress leadership appears to be working with a mindset of “selling both the house and the jewelry,” instead of strengthening public institutions.
BJP spokesperson Sandipani Bhardwaj alleged that the government deliberately weakens institutions before projecting them as loss-making entities to justify privatization. She termed the move a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at transferring state assets into the hands of select individuals.
Bhardwaj added that conflicting statements from leaders within the ruling party clearly indicate a lack of coordination within the government. “Every leader is pushing a different narrative, and public interest is nowhere to be seen,” she remarked.
BJP leaders also questioned reports suggesting that crores of rupees are being spent on construction and renovation of hotels while preparations are simultaneously underway to privatize them. They said this raises serious concerns about the government’s intent.
Accusing the Congress government of selling state resources instead of protecting them, BJP leaders described the policy as a “model of destruction rather than development.”
Dr. Saizal and Bhardwaj concluded by stating that the BJP will take the issue to the public and strongly oppose any privatization decision. They warned that if the government does not withdraw the proposal, the party will launch statewide protests against the move.
