Shimla: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur accused the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh Government of playing with the future of the state’s youth, alleging that the government has completely failed to act against recruitment irregularities, paper leaks and corruption. He said that instead of taking strict action against those responsible, the state government is protecting the guilty, causing lakhs of young aspirants to lose faith in the recruitment system.
Jairam Thakur was addressing the media after participating in the collective listening of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation campaign at Jakhu Ward in Shimla on Sunday.
Reacting to the candle march organised by the Congress, Thakur termed it a politically motivated exercise aimed at misleading the youth. He said Congress has no moral authority to lecture anyone on paper leaks, as recruitment scams and examination irregularities were rampant during Congress governments across the country. He pointed out that Rajasthan witnessed more than 22 paper leak cases under the Congress government, while 18 recruitment examination papers were leaked in Chhattisgarh. In such a situation, Congress cannot claim to be a champion of the youth, he added.
Referring to Himachal Pradesh, Jairam Thakur said that candidates who appeared in the recent police recruitment examination had submitted written complaints alleging mass cheating inside examination centres. Despite these serious allegations, the Congress government has failed to order an impartial and transparent investigation. He said the government’s silence raises serious questions about its intentions and commitment towards ensuring fair recruitment.
The former Chief Minister further stated that when the police recruitment paper leak surfaced during the BJP government, his government immediately recommended a CBI inquiry without any hesitation. The CBI investigation reportedly identified lapses and the role of certain officials. However, instead of taking action against those officials, the present Congress government has rewarded them with important postings and even promotions. He questioned Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as to why those named in the investigation continue to enjoy key positions instead of facing accountability.
Jairam Thakur alleged that the Congress government is more interested in political gains than protecting the interests of students and unemployed youth. He said the youth of Himachal deserve a transparent and merit-based recruitment system, but the Congress government has failed to ensure fairness and credibility.
He also appreciated the Central Government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the integrity of the examination system. He said the Centre has introduced stringent legal provisions to crack down on paper leak mafias and protect the future of students. Such decisive reforms had never been undertaken before, and the proposed legal framework would further strengthen transparency and accountability in public recruitment, he added.
Thakur criticised Congress and its allies for attempting to politicise issues concerning students instead of supporting reforms aimed at protecting the interests of the youth. He said using students’ emotions for political mileage is deeply unfortunate.
Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Jairam Thakur described it as much more than a radio programme, calling it a nationwide movement that inspires, educates and motivates millions of Indians. He said the programme brings to the forefront ordinary citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to society but often remain unnoticed. It also highlights India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, environmental conservation and various aspects of nation-building, inspiring people across the country and around the world.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Jairam Thakur paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives defending the nation. He said that under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan during the Kargil War, demonstrating the courage and strength of the Indian Armed Forces.
He particularly remembered the supreme sacrifice of 52 brave soldiers from Himachal Pradesh, stating that despite being a small state, Himachal made an extraordinary contribution to the nation’s victory. He said the bravery of Himachal’s soldiers, including recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, will continue to inspire generations.
Highlighting the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Jairam Thakur said the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has evolved into a nationwide movement for environmental conservation. He urged every citizen to plant and nurture a tree in honour of their mother, emphasising that protecting nature is a collective responsibility and a gift to future generations.
Expressing confidence in the country’s future, Jairam Thakur said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing towards development, good governance, self-reliance and global leadership, and every citizen should actively contribute to this journey.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr Janak Raj, Sanjay Sood, Karan Nanda, Sanjeev Chauhan, Sanjeev Deshta, Chandrashekhar, Anjula Thakur, Mrs Manocha, Shalinder Chauhan, Ramesh Gangotra, Naman, Shyam Sharma, along with a large number of BJP leaders, office bearers and party workers.
