Shimla: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has launched a sharp attack on the Congress government and its leaders in the state. He termed the protests being staged by Congress over the naming and structure of central schemes as “nothing but political drama,” aimed solely at pleasing their Delhi-based high command.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Jairam Thakur said that Congress leaders lack even basic knowledge of the ground realities and facts related to the Developed India – Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), known as ‘G-RAM-G’. He clarified that the central government remains fully committed to protecting the interests of hill states like Himachal Pradesh and urged Congress leaders to stop misleading the public by falsely claiming that central assistance to the state has been reduced.
He categorically stated that Himachal Pradesh will continue to receive central assistance in the 90:10 ratio, as before. Taking a dig at the Congress, he said their leaders are indulging in opposition politics without even understanding that no major changes have been made to the G-RAM-G scheme.
On the issue of MGNREGA, Jairam Thakur questioned Congress leaders whether they remember that the scheme was earlier called NREGA. He said the central government is making positive reforms in welfare schemes to enhance transparency and expand employment opportunities, ensuring that benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries directly while eliminating the role of middlemen.
Expressing concern over the current situation in Himachal Pradesh, the Leader of Opposition accused the Congress government of misleading people instead of answering questions about the deteriorating condition of the state. He alleged that development works have come to a complete standstill and questioned the sensitivity of the Chief Minister.
Referring to recent tragic incidents, Jairam Thakur said that despite the horrific bus accident in Sirmaur and the devastating fire incident in Arki, where people were burnt alive, the Chief Minister did not visit the affected sites. This, he said, reflects the government’s lack of empathy towards public suffering.
He further alleged that the Chief Minister is only interested in promoting the works of his friends and is content with strolling on Shimla’s Mall Road, while the rest of Himachal Pradesh is suffering due to lack of development and government apathy.
Jairam Thakur concluded by stating that the people of Himachal Pradesh are crying out in distress due to the government’s indifference, and advised Congress leaders to introspect on their own government’s failures instead of making baseless allegations against the Centre.
