Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], March 10 (ANI): Ahead of the budget session of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday morning led a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP).

He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of shifting blame on the Congress government for their failures and staging walkouts during assembly sessions.

Addressing mediapersons, CM Sukhu launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing them of shifting blame onto the Congress government while conveniently forgetting their past mistakes.

'The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now trying to shift the blame on us for their own failures. I am happy that the BJP attended the all-party meeting before the Assembly session this time. Earlier, they planned walkouts and didn't even show up for discussions. Now, they are demanding an extension of the session, which exposes their double standards,' CM Sukhu said.

The Chief Minister criticised the BJP for consistently walking out during Assembly sessions when discussions were crucial. He said it is ironic how the BJP, which previously avoided participation, is now urging the government to extend the session.

'Earlier, whenever the Assembly Session occurred, the BJP's primary job was to stage walkouts. Our job has always been to serve the people. Today, they are demanding an extension of the session. If they agree to sit through the session, we are more than willing to extend the proceedings till 7:00 PM every day or even prolong the session by five more days,' Sukhu stated.

The Congress CM further added that the BJP had walked out of the last all-party meeting, showing a lack of commitment to constructive dialogue.

He accused the BJP high command of dictating terms to their state leaders, which led to their absence from important discussions.

'In the last all-party meeting, the BJP chose to walk out. Later, I learned from some Congress members that their high command scolded them for not attending the meeting. This clearly shows their internal rift. BJP is now divided into five factions in Himachal Pradesh, and their internal conflict is more visible than ever,' CM Sukhu said.

Taking a dig at the BJP, the Chief Minister said that some former Congress leaders who joined the BJP are now being sidelined despite being prominent figures.

'There are some former Congress leaders who joined the BJP. These individuals were champions in their respective constituencies, but now they are not even allowed to speak or play a significant role. The BJP leadership in Himachal Pradesh is treating them as outsiders, which reflects their internal discord,' he said.

Shifting his focus to national issues, CM Sukhu extended his support to former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who is reportedly facing political pressure and scrutiny from central agencies.

'I firmly believe there should not be any political persecution against former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel. He served the people with honesty and transparency during his tenure. Harassing him through investigative agencies is unacceptable,' he stated.

CM Sukhu greeted the Indian Cricket team on the recent success of the Champian's trophy. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to Captain Rohit Sharma and the entire team, inviting them to Himachal Pradesh for a relaxing break sponsored by the state government.

'I want to congratulate Rohit Sharma and Team India for winning the Champions Trophy. They have made the country proud. I extend an open invitation to them to visit the scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh. They are welcome to stay at any luxurious hotel here with their families, and our government will bear all the expenses and ensure the best facilities,' said CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Budget Session, which began today, is expected to witness heated debates and discussions on critical issues in the state. The Congress government has promised to address all concerns raised by the opposition while ensuring smooth legislative functioning. (ANI)