Shimla, Aug. 7 -- Bharatiya Janata Party leader Rajender Rana on Thursday criticised the Congress-led state government in Himachal Pradesh, terming it a "syndicate" rather than a democratically elected body. "Himachal is no longer being governed through constitutional institutions but through a 'syndicate' of influential individuals. Such a syndicate emerged decades ago and has now become deeply entrenched. Through this network, corruption has flourished and Himachal is being bought and sold, said Rana. Rana further said, "From the time Himachal attained full statehood until 2022, 12 governments together borrowed around Rs.68K crore. This government alone has borrowed nearly Rs.44,600 crore in less than four years. The state is sinking under debt, yet essential public services have deteriorated," he alleged. Dismissing the allegations, revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi said, "We are an elected government; in fact, the syndicate is functioning within the 'factionalised' BJP." "BJP pushed Himachal into a debt trap despite getting adequate funds from Centre. The state is borrowing within the set rules and regulation." htc...