Shimla August 27
A leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday strongly criticised the Congress government’s decision to restore the lottery system in the state, describing it as “unfortunate” and warning that the BJP would shut it down and investigate those responsible if it returned to power.
Speaking to the media outside the Himachal Pradesh Assembly in Shimla, Thakur said the government had taken the decision in the name of increasing the state’s revenue without considering its possible social consequences.
“This is Devbhoomi, and the government is working against the culture and values of the state. The lottery system was discontinued during the BJP government because people had suffered immensely due to it. Houses were sold, land was mortgaged and even jewellery was disposed of by people trapped in the addiction,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with substance abuse, Thakur said gambling could also become a destructive addiction. “Once people develop such a habit, it is difficult to get rid of it. It is similar to the menace of chitta and other drugs, which are destroying lives and families,” he added.
The Leader of Opposition alleged that while only a few people benefited from the lottery system, a large number of families suffered financial ruin. He accused the Congress government of ignoring these consequences despite being aware of the past impact of the system.
Thakur also raised questions over the process of bringing back the lottery system and alleged that the matter required an independent investigation. “The people who are aggressively pushing to bring this system back are themselves a subject of investigation. The intention appears to be serving private interests rather than the interests of the state,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the company being considered for the lottery-related work had links with people close to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. “Once the BJP forms the government, this matter will also be investigated and the lottery system will be shut down,” he said.
Thakur said Himachal Pradesh was already facing the serious challenge of chitta and other drugs, which had destroyed thousands of families and affected the younger generation.
“At a time when the entire focus should be on eliminating the drug menace, the government is bringing in a system like lotteries. This should be stopped immediately. It will not benefit the state; it will only cause further damage,” he said.
Shimla Women’s Wing Members Tie Rakhi to Jai Ram Thakur
Meanwhile, members of the Shimla Mahila Morcha tied rakhi to Jai Ram Thakur and extended their wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Expressing gratitude, Thakur thanked the women for their affection and warm gesture. He also extended Raksha Bandhan greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh and wished everyone happiness, prosperity and a bright future.
