Former CM participates in Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programmes in Nahan and Renuka Ji
Sirmaur/Nahan/Renuka Ji, September 17, 2026: Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participated in various programmes organised in Nahan and Renuka Ji as part of the BJP’s Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The nationwide campaign began on September 17 and is being held for a month to mark Modi’s birthday and 25 years of public service.
Thakur described Modi’s life, dedication to public service and emphasis on the national interest as a source of inspiration. He credited the Prime Minister’s leadership with changes in areas including infrastructure, technology, public welfare, self-reliance and India’s position globally.
He said the government’s focus on accountability, transparency, public welfare and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas had sought to take welfare schemes and services to people across the country. He specifically referred to initiatives related to housing, sanitation, electricity, LPG connections, banking, digital payments, healthcare and infrastructure.
During his visit to Nahan, Thakur offered prayers and performed a havan at the Kali Sthan Temple, seeking blessings for the Prime Minister’s health and longevity. He later participated in a blood donation camp organised at Hindu Ashram under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. A tree plantation activity was also organised at Renuka Ji.
Thakur said celebrating the Prime Minister’s birthday through service, environmental activities and public welfare initiatives was an opportunity to encourage greater public participation in social work.
Thakur questions government over panchayat elections
Thakur also attended a felicitation ceremony for newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives of the Renuka Ji Assembly constituency and congratulated them on their election.
Addressing the gathering, he said elected representatives had a significant responsibility towards people at the grassroots level and urged them to discharge their duties with dedication and honesty.
Targeting the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, Thakur alleged that the state government had attempted to delay Panchayati Raj elections and said the issue had to be pursued legally, including before the Supreme Court. He described village panchayats as an important link in the democratic system.
Thakur further alleged that the government was reluctant to hold the elections because of concerns about the outcome. These were political allegations made by the Leader of Opposition and were not independently established in the statement.
He said the BJP would raise issues concerning the state government’s performance before the public in the next Assembly election. He also said BJP workers would work together to highlight what he described as shortcomings of the present government.
Focus on development and welfare
Thakur highlighted several central government initiatives, including Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar-linked services, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He said initiatives in roads, railways, healthcare, digital infrastructure and manufacturing had contributed to changes in the lives of citizens. He also highlighted efforts to promote Indian manufacturing, innovation and cultural heritage.
The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, which began on September 17, includes activities such as blood donation, cleanliness drives, tree plantation and other public-service programmes. The BJP has said the campaign will continue until October 17.
BJP state president Dr Rajiv Bindal, former MLA Baldev Tomar, BJP district president Dheeraj Gupta, Renuka MLA Narayan Singh and several other party leaders and workers were present during the programmes.
