Dharamshala, April 13 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the state BJP and questioned why the party "failed" to stand with the state government before the Centre on crucial issues such as the revenue deficit grant (RDG) and disaster relief. Sukhu while addressing mediapersons in Una asked why BJP leaders did not accompany the government to meet the Prime Minister when the state was fighting for its rightful dues. The CM alleged that during the BJP's tenure, Himachal Pradesh was burdened with a debt of Rs 76,633 crore. He alleged that the previous government distributed nearly Rs 5,000 crore in "freebies during election time, which weakened financial discipline". Despite receiving significantly higher funds from the Centre around Rs 60,000 crore more than the present government, the BJP failed to utilise these resources effectively. Instead, he claimed, the funds were misused, pushing the state deeper into debt. He said that if the money had been properly utilised, Himachal could have been debt-free today. "BJP policies had consistently been against the interests of the state and did not prioritise public welfare. In contrast, the present state government for the past 40 months has focused on vyavastha parivartan, prioritised public service, introduced policy changes, enacted new laws and curbed corruption which were bringing positive results," he added. Sukhu said that the people of the state have now recognised the truth that the BJP has been making desperate attempts to gain power through social media manipulation. htc...