Responding to allegations by the BJP over the delay in Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday firmly defended his government’s decision, saying the opposition is merely trying to “divert attention”.

Speaking to reporters, Sukhu said, “The BJP makes a big deal out of everything. It has become the BJP’s policy to oppose everything. They only want to divert attention.” He added that during the 2023 disaster, the BJP had insisted on holding the assembly session, but the session was delayed due to the calamity. “At that time, we discussed the disaster, but during the discussion on the 2023-24 disaster, the BJP walked out of the House,” he recalled.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the current disaster is even more severe than in 2023, affecting several panchayat areas. “We have spoken to all Deputy Commissioners, who said that they have not yet succeeded in connecting the roads to the panchayats,” Sukhu said, explaining that the elections were postponed to prioritise relief work.

He assured that once roads are restored and disaster relief is completed, Panchayat elections would be conducted without delay. “After the rains stop, our first duty and responsibility is to provide relief to the disaster-affected people. Elections will definitely take place. As soon as the roads to all panchayats are restored, the elections will be held,” Sukhu added.