Dhumal Condemns Himachal's Lottery Revival: 'A Step Towards Ruin'

Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal, has lashed out at the ruling Congress government's choice to revive the lottery system, condemning it as a 'step towards ruin' for the state's residents. He reminisced about his tenure, emphasizing the 1998 policy decisions taken to eradicate the lottery system, which was not only a political move but also aimed at safeguarding families from financial distress.

Dhumal recounted a significant milestone from April 17, 1996, when the Himachal Pradesh High Court had banned the sale of single-digit lotteries. His administration during the late 90s reinforced this stance by eliminating lotteries completely, protecting wages, pensions, and savings that were otherwise squandered on tickets. He noted that even government employees had previously fallen victim to this financial trap.

In a pointed critique, Dhumal highlighted the incongruity of the Congress government's promises to create jobs while fostering an environment conducive to substance abuse and gambling. With over 2.3 lakh government employees and nearly 10 lakh unemployed youth in the state, Dhumal insists that such a policy endangers financial security and demands immediate withdrawal, labeling it a regressive and anti-people measure. The BJP firmly opposes the lottery's comeback, urging the government to rethink its approach.

(With inputs from agencies.)