Opposition Leader Accuses Congress Government of Misleading Public and Violating Model Code of Conduct
Mandi, May 23, 2026 — Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress-led state government during a press conference in Mandi on Friday.
Jai Ram Thakur alleged that the recent cabinet decisions reflected the government’s frustration following Congress’ poor performance in Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council elections. He accused the Sukhu government of running a “policy of false guarantees and public recovery” while misleading the people of the state.
The BJP leader said Congress had promised 300 units of free electricity before the Assembly elections but later discontinued the 125 units of free electricity that had been provided during the BJP government’s tenure. According to him, families that earlier received zero electricity bills are now facing minimum monthly bills of around ₹750.
He further alleged that after removing slab-based subsidies, the government had increased the financial burden on students, tenants, and ordinary consumers. Jai Ram Thakur also criticized the imposition of additional electricity cess on hotels, private hospitals, petrol pumps, shopping malls, multiplexes, and other commercial establishments.
He said the government had already imposed milk cess and environmental cess and was continuously introducing new taxes, increasing pressure on the public. He also questioned the government’s decision to extend the tenure of professors in medical colleges, alleging that the move was aimed at postponing financial liabilities.
“The government is not even able to make timely payments of GPF and other dues to retired employees,” he claimed.
Jai Ram Thakur also accused the Congress government of repeatedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. He alleged that before Assembly elections, Congress leaders collected forms from women and youth in the name of welfare schemes, but most promises remained unfulfilled.
Referring to the Lok Sabha elections, he claimed attempts were made to gain electoral advantage through the “Samman Nidhi” scheme, while many eligible women allegedly did not receive benefits. He further accused the Chief Minister of continuing to make announcements during the Mandi Municipal Corporation election period to influence voters.
“Big announcements are being made through cabinet meetings and media publicity to impact the election atmosphere,” he alleged, demanding that the Election Commission take cognizance of the matter.
The Opposition leader also claimed that allocations for social welfare and social security schemes had been drastically reduced, while central funds were not being utilized properly and the state’s debt burden was continuously rising.
Concluding his address, Jai Ram Thakur said that the people of Himachal Pradesh had now understood the gap between the government’s promises and actions and would give a democratic response at the appropriate time.
MLA Anil Sharma, BJP State General Secretary Payal Vaidya, BJP District President Nihal Chand Sharma, Media Incharge Rakesh Walia, District General Secretary Manchali Thakur, Virendra Bhat, and Chaman Kapoor were also present during the press conference.
