BJP warns Himachal lottery revival will harm youth

The BJP in Himachal Pradesh protested against the state government's decisions to resume lottery sales and allow controlled cannabis cultivation, warning that lotteries will "ruin" the younger generation. The opposition demanded immediate withdrawal of the lottery decision. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said lotteries are addictive and were banned in 1999 after families lost their money. He argued the government needs better fiscal management, not lotteries, and accused Chief Minister Sukhu of misleading the public on employment figures, citing a drop in state employees from 1.91 lakh to 1.72 lakh. The BJP also accused the government of withholding recruitment information, as officials repeatedly said data was still being compiled. CM Sukhu cited prior irregularities and promised a reply next session. BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal separately sought details on the CM's inaugurations up to January 31, 2026, receiving the same response.