Shimla, November 13, 2026:
Bharatiya Janata Party Himachal Pradesh Chief Spokesperson and Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress government, alleging that the state government is systematically moving towards handing over the management of valuable public properties to private operators.
He said that the BJP has consistently raised these issues through the media and inside the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, but the Chief Minister has failed to clearly explain the government’s intentions to the people of the state.
Rakesh Jamwal said that the newly constructed Himachal Niketan in Dwarka, New Delhi, has 107 rooms. At the time of its inauguration, Chief Minister Sukhu had projected it as a major facility for the people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly students, patients and their attendants visiting Delhi.
However, the government has now issued a tender for the selection of a private agency to operate, maintain and manage the same property.
He said, “Chief Minister Sukhu Ji, Himachal Niketan is not the private property of the Congress Party. It belongs to the people of Himachal Pradesh. The move to hand over the management of a facility built for public welfare to private hands exposes the glaring contradiction between your government’s promises and its actions.”
Jamwal said that, according to media reports, approximately 70 percent of Himachal Niketan is proposed to be managed by a private agency.
He alleged that this process has created serious uncertainty regarding the availability of rooms and concessional accommodation facilities for ordinary Himachalis, particularly economically weaker patients and their families.
From Peterhoff to Wildflower Hall: Serious Questions Over the Government’s Policy
Rakesh Jamwal said that when the BJP raised concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of the historic Peterhoff Hotel and the possibility of its operation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Chief Minister denied that any such decision had been taken.
However, he said, the government’s future policy regarding the property remains unclear.
Referring to Wildflower Hall, Jamwal said that Himachal Pradesh fought a prolonged legal battle to secure its rights over the prestigious property.
Despite important judicial decisions in favour of the state, questions have emerged regarding the long-term operational arrangements of the hotel.
Jamwal further alleged that the BJP has also raised concerns regarding the proposed private operation of eight hotels belonging to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
He said that these developments have raised serious questions about the Congress government’s priorities concerning the management of public assets.
Himachal’s Properties in Delhi Are Meant to Serve Its People, Not Merely Generate Revenue
Rakesh Jamwal said that the fundamental objective behind establishing Himachal Bhawan, Himachal Sadan and Himachal Niketan in New Delhi has always been to provide convenient and affordable accommodation to people visiting the national capital from Himachal Pradesh.
He pointed out that students travel to Delhi for education, patients for specialised medical treatment, government employees for official assignments and ordinary citizens for various essential purposes.
“These establishments were never intended merely as commercial ventures. Their primary purpose is to provide support and accommodation to the people of Himachal Pradesh in the national capital. If profit becomes the overriding consideration in their management, the interests of poor patients and ordinary citizens could be seriously affected,” Jamwal said.
Referring to the tenures of former Chief Ministers Dr. Y. S. Parmar, Shanta Kumar, Virbhadra Singh, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal and Jairam Thakur, Jamwal said that the development of public properties in Himachal Pradesh has historically been guided by the objective of serving the people and protecting the state’s long-term interests.
He alleged that the present Congress government appears increasingly focused on revenue generation through private management arrangements, raising concerns about whether public welfare is receiving adequate priority.
Private Management Raises Questions Over Employment Opportunities for Himachali Youth
Rakesh Jamwal said that if Himachal Niketan were operated through the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, it could create employment opportunities for young people from Himachal Pradesh, either through direct recruitment or outsourcing arrangements.
He alleged that while the government has initiated the process of selecting a private operator, sufficient information has not been made public regarding provisions for giving employment preference to Himachali youth.
Jamwal said that although the state government may be facing financial difficulties, revenue generation from public assets should not come at the cost of public facilities, employment opportunities and social responsibilities.
He further alleged that there is a growing contradiction between the announcements made by Chief Minister Sukhu and the actual decisions taken by his government.
According to Jamwal, the Congress government continues to highlight public welfare projects as major achievements while simultaneously expanding the role of private agencies in managing these facilities.
He said that the lack of clear public assurances regarding affordable accommodation, concessional rates and priority for patients and students has raised serious concerns.
Rakesh Jamwal stated that the developments concerning Himachal Niketan, Peterhoff, Wildflower Hall and HPTDC properties have brought the government’s policies regarding public assets under scrutiny.
“The properties of Himachal Pradesh are a collective asset belonging to its people. The government must recognise that public welfare, affordable facilities and employment opportunities for Himachali youth are equally important considerations alongside revenue generation,” Jamwal concluded.
