Shimla: 23,10,2026
BJP Member of Parliament and former Himachal Pradesh BJP President Suresh Kashyap strongly criticised the Congress government for allegedly attempting to take political credit for development projects being implemented under the Central Government’s ambitious Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN.
Kashyap said that the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appears more interested in inauguration ceremonies, publicity and political credit than in acknowledging the actual contribution of the Central Government.
He stated that, according to official figures presented in Parliament, ₹213.52 crore had been allocated for aviation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh under the UDAN scheme up to June 2024, of which ₹160.48 crore had been utilised. By February 2026, a cumulative 38 regional air routes had been operationalised, connecting four heliports under the scheme.
These figures clearly demonstrate the commitment of the Narendra Modi-led Central Government towards improving air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas,Kashyap said.
He questioned why the Congress government was allegedly failing to give due recognition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government during inauguration ceremonies for projects supported under central schemes.
When the scheme belongs to the Central Government and financial assistance is being provided under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, why is the Sukhu government trying to project these achievements as its exclusive contribution?” he asked.
Kashyap further alleged that BJP Members of Parliament were being deliberately sidelined during inauguration ceremonies, with their names and participation being overlooked.
Members of Parliament are elected representatives of the people. The Congress government has no right to exclude them from public development programmes merely because they belong to a different political party. Such conduct reflects political narrow-mindedness and a disregard for democratic traditions, he said.
Referring specifically to the Palampur Heliport, Kashyap pointed out that the project had been identified under the Central Government’s UDAN scheme and that development-related tenders had already been issued, while regular helicopter services were yet to commence.
He alleged that the Congress government was preparing to project the Palampur Heliport as an achievement solely of Chief Minister Sukhu and the state government, without adequately acknowledging the Central Government’s role or giving due recognition to elected BJP representatives.
Kashyap demanded that the Chief Minister publicly disclose the respective financial contributions of the Centre and the state towards Palampur and other heliport projects, including the amounts sanctioned, expenditure incurred and construction progress.
The Congress government must understand that taking credit for centrally supported projects does not change the source of their funding or the contribution of the Narendra Modi government,” he asserted.
He demanded that the Central Government’s contribution be prominently acknowledged at all UDAN-related inauguration ceremonies, that concerned Members of Parliament receive appropriate invitations and recognition, and that complete financial and project implementation details be made public.
Kashyap concluded by saying that Chief Minister Sukhu should abandon what he described as the politics of publicity and credit-taking and instead concentrate on completing projects on time and ensuring that the people of Himachal Pradesh receive the benefits of improved air connectivity.
The people of Himachal Pradesh deserve development, transparency and accountability—not political publicity at the expense of the Central Government’s contribution, he said
