Former CM accuses Sukhu government of shutting welfare schemes, failing to fulfil poll promises
Nerwa (Chaupal), October 25: Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur launched a sharp attack on the Congress government during a felicitation ceremony for newly elected panchayat representatives in Nerwa, Chaupal, on Sunday, claiming that the government’s days in power were numbered.
Taking a swipe at the ruling dispensation, Thakur said the “farewell shehnai” of the Congress government had already begun. He alleged that despite completing four years in office, the Sukhu government had failed to introduce four major schemes of its own and had instead discontinued welfare initiatives launched by the previous BJP government.
Thakur accused the Congress of coming to power on the basis of promises that remained unfulfilled. He cited the assurance of providing Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women and five lakh government jobs over five years, alleging that the government had failed to deliver on its commitments.
He claimed that the promise of financial assistance to women had not benefited the intended population on the scale expected and alleged that employment opportunities had been restricted under the present government.
BJP Alleges Welfare Schemes Discontinued
Comparing the previous BJP government’s policies with those of the Congress, Thakur said the BJP government had provided 125 units of free electricity, while the Congress had promised 300 units but, according to him, consumers were now facing higher bills even at the earlier threshold.
He also criticised the Congress over its promises relating to milk and cow dung procurement. Thakur alleged that welfare schemes such as Himcare, Sahara and Swavalamban, launched during the BJP’s tenure, had been discontinued, affecting poor and needy beneficiaries.
Referring to the BJP government’s Jan Manch programme, he said it had provided a platform for people to get their grievances addressed on the spot. He alleged that the Congress government discontinued the initiative and that its subsequent Gaon Ke Dwar programme had failed to deliver the intended results.
Thakur also questioned the government’s priorities, accusing it of focusing on investigations and FIRs rather than development and public welfare.
Raises Concerns over Drugs and Law and Order
Describing the present situation as a period of “systemic decline” rather than “systemic change”, Thakur expressed concern over drug abuse and criminal incidents in the state.
He alleged that the government was not doing enough to tackle the chitta drug menace affecting young people and criticised the reported CID inquiry into the samosa controversy. He also raised concerns over the death of Vimal Negi, alleging that the family was still awaiting a satisfactory outcome.
Claims BJP-backed Candidates Made Gains in Local Polls
Referring to panchayat and local body elections, Thakur claimed that BJP-supported candidates had secured a significant number of victories across the state. He said BJP-backed candidates had won in 11 of the 12 district councils, presenting the results as a sign of public support for the party.
He also cited results in Chaupal, claiming that 74 of the constituency’s 84 panchayat pradhans belonged to the BJP ideology. He said BJP-backed candidates had also won positions in the Block Development Committee and Zila Parishad despite the Congress being in power in the state.
Thakur predicted a strong BJP performance in Chaupal in the future and urged people to unite against the Congress government.
Highlights Development Works in Chaupal
During his address, Thakur praised local MLA Balbir Verma and referred to development initiatives undertaken during the previous BJP government, including the opening of a sub-divisional office, a new Jal Shakti department division, a civil hospital and an indoor stadium.
He accused the current government of neglecting Chaupal and shutting down institutions and development initiatives established during the BJP’s tenure.
Thakur also promised improvements to the Sainj-Deha-Nerwa-Chaupal road and urged residents to support what he described as capable leadership to accelerate development in the region. He extended Diwali greetings to the people.
Earlier, Thakur received a welcome from party workers and local residents upon reaching Nerwa. A roadshow was held from Nerwa market to the venue, where supporters raised slogans in favour of the BJP and against the Congress government.
Attends ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Programme
During his visit, Thakur also listened to the latest episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat with party workers and local residents in Chaupal.
The programme highlighted the importance of the Vocal for Local initiative, encouraging people to purchase indigenous products and support local artisans during the festive season. Other themes included youth achievements in the startup ecosystem, natural farming and environmental protection.
Thakur urged people to contribute to the vision of a self-reliant and developed India.
Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap, local MLA Balbir Verma, former MLA Subhash Manglet, Zila Parishad chairman Bhupendra Sisodia, BJP district president Arun Phalta, Rohru BJP candidate Shashibala and Shimla BJP president Keshav Chauhan were among those present.
