"CM Sukhu Has Aladdin's Lamp": BJP's Rajinder Rana Targets Himachal CM Over Asset Growth

UNA (Himachla Pradesh): Political temperatures in Himachal Pradesh soared after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, referencing reports naming him among the richest Chief Ministers in North India. Leading the charge, state BJP chief spokesperson and former MLA Rajinder Rana demanded full transparency regarding the Chief Minister's wealth and state government spending.

Addressing reporters, Rana took a satirical jab at CM Sukhu's financial disclosures while questioning the state government's fiscal priorities amid ongoing economic challenges in the hill state.

"Is There an Aladdin's Lamp?"
Taking aim at CM Sukhu, who had previously declared donating his personal savings during the state's devastating monsoon disasters, Rajinder Rana questioned the sudden rise in declared assets.

"The Chief Minister, who claimed to have donated everything during natural disasters, has now emerged as the richest CM in North India. It seems the Chief Minister possesses an 'Aladdin's Lamp' that magically expands his wealth. If such a lamp exists, he should use it to help the poor and needy people of Himachal Pradesh."

— Rajinder Rana, BJP Chief Spokesperson

Rana further alleged that several close associates of the Chief Minister—who previously lacked basic financial means—have turned into multi-millionaires under the current regime, demanding a public explanation of these facts to avoid misgivings.

Questions Raised Over ₹200 Crore Himachal Niketan in Delhi
The BJP spokesperson also questioned the Sukhu administration's decision to construct a new official guest house, 'Himachal Niketan', in New Delhi.

• Existing Facilities: Rana pointed out that the state already operates two functional facilities in the national capital—Himachal Bhavan and Himachal Sadan.
• Unnecessary Expenditure: He criticized the proposed expenditure of nearly ₹200 crore on a third building, calling it an extravagant waste of taxpayers' money.
• Public Welfare Ignored: Rana argued that at a time when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with significant financial distress, public funds should be directed toward healthcare, education, job creation, and core infrastructure rather than luxury projects.