Chief Minister and Congress stalwarts suffered setbacks in their own constituencies; government must respect public mandate, says Leader of Opposition
Shimla, June 11: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday said that the recent local body election results have delivered a clear message from the people, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) receiving strong support at the grassroots level across the state.
Addressing mediapersons at his residence in Shimla, Jai Ram Thakur said the Congress should respect the verdict of the people and function within democratic norms. He alleged that despite the public mandate, the state government was attempting to influence elected BJP-backed representatives through pressure tactics.
He claimed that measurements and inspections were being carried out at the residences of newly elected BJP-supported representatives and alleged that efforts were being made to intimidate them. He urged the Congress government to respect democratic institutions and stop targeting elected public representatives.
Congress Internal Rift Exposed
The Leader of Opposition said the ongoing conflict among Congress leaders and the Chief Minister has exposed the reality of the government. According to him, the BJP has secured a strong grassroots mandate, while Congress leaders are unwilling to accept the public verdict.
Referring to allegations made by a Congress state vice-president regarding the collection and distribution of “briefcases,” Jai Ram Thakur said such serious accusations should not be ignored. He demanded that the Congress leadership and the Chief Minister clarify the matter before the people of Himachal Pradesh.
He also accused the state government of corruption and claimed that reports of intimidation and extortion had surfaced from different parts of the state.
Chamyana Zila Parishad Winner Meets Jai Ram Thakur
Newly elected BJP-supported Zila Parishad member Khush Vikram Sen, who secured a significant victory from the Chamyana Ward in Kusumpti Assembly constituency, met Jai Ram Thakur at his official residence.
Former Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Shimla BJP President Keshav Chauhan, party workers, elected panchayat representatives, and local leaders were also present during the meeting.
Congratulating the newly elected representatives, Jai Ram Thakur expressed confidence that they would contribute significantly to the development of their respective areas and fulfill the aspirations of the people.
Spoke to Father of Missing Hamirpur Youth Aditya Sharma
Jai Ram Thakur also spoke over the phone with the father of Aditya Sharma, a youth from Hamirpur who reportedly went missing during the American attack in the Gulf of Oman.
Expressing concern and solidarity with the family, he assured them that all possible efforts would be made to provide assistance and coordinate with the concerned authorities. He said the entire state stands with the family during this difficult time and is praying for Aditya Sharma’s safe return.
