BJP defaming Himachal Pradesh with baseless statements: Naresh Chauhan

Modi Government decreased import duty on apple from 75 to 50 percent: Naresh Chauhan

SHIMLA, 06.05.24-HPCC Vice President Naresh Chauhan today lambasted BJP leaders here today and alleged BJP for tarnishing the reputation of Himachal Pradesh with their unfounded claims. In a press conference held in Shimla, he ridiculed the claims of providing Rs. 50 per kg MSP on the apple of Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and said that no horticulturist in the State has received such a price. He said that it is the present State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu which has implemented a historic hike of Rs. 1.50 enhancing MSP for apples for Rs. 12 per kg from Rs. 10.50.

He also came down heavily on BJP leader Minakshi Lekhi for making misleading statements regarding import duty on apples. Naresh Chauhan accused the BJP led Union Government of decreasing the import duty on apples from 75 percent to 50 percent, contrary to the demands of apple growers to enhance it to 100 percent. He said that low import duty has led to the substantial losses to the apple growers, with cold store apples fetching Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200 less price per box.

Naresh Chauhan said that duty free apples are being imported from Afganistan and Iran, due to which the apple economy of the State is under threat. He said that the present State Government ensured the sale system of apple on kilogram basis which has brought remunerative prices to the apple growers. In addition to this, fulfilling the long pending demand of horticulturists, the State Government has decided to introduce a universal carton system for packing apple boxes, from the next apple season. Furthermore, the State Government is prioritizing to bolster the cold store infrastructure in the State and the Government has started the fruit processing unit at Parala in Shimla district which will go a long way in strengthening the economy of the apple growers.

HPCC Vice President criticized Minakshi Lekhi for her lack of knowledge regarding the State. He ridiculed the claims of Lekhi to provide electricity facility in Naldehra, Kufri and Chharabra villages of Shimla district by Modi Government and said that all the villages of Himachal Pradesh were electrified decades ago and today there is no village without electricity facility even in the tribal areas.

Naresh Chauhan blamed the BJP for conspiring against the elected state government and said that BJP leaders tried to topple the government by involving in horse trading. He said that the people of the State are unhappy with the present BJP MPs as they failed to raise the voice of the people in the Parliament.