Shimla, Feb. 25 -- Education Minister of Himachal Pradesh Rohit Thakur on Tuesday defended Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's recent private visit to the Maldives, countering criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The opposition has accused the CM of undertaking a foreign trip at the expense of the government, but Thakur dismissed these claims, saying that the BJP's remarks reflect a narrow mindset.

"The Chief Minister's trip was a private visit, and BJP leaders should refrain from making unnecessary comments. Do BJP leaders never go on personal trips? Their statements only reflect their narrow mentality," Thakur said speaking to ANI.

Thakur further emphasized that the education sector in Himachal Pradesh has also seen i...