Former Himachal CM questions government’s credibility, raises fuel cess and employees’ concerns
Shimla, August 16: Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Saturday accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of using national occasions and public platforms to pursue political interests and target the opposition.
Speaking to the media after unfurling the national flag at the BJP state headquarters Deepkamal on Independence Day, Thakur alleged that the Chief Minister had used the August 15 platform for political messaging and self-promotion.
Thakur said Independence Day was meant to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and to inspire younger generations about the struggle that led to India’s independence. He alleged that government programmes in educational institutions were instead being used to highlight the Chief Minister’s work during disasters.
“People have already become disillusioned with the government, and now even schoolchildren are being used to improve the Chief Minister’s image,” Thakur alleged.
He also criticised the government over the concerns of employees and pensioners, claiming that their demands had been ignored despite protests across the state. He alleged that the government had resorted to imposing a cess on petrol and diesel in the name of supporting orphans and widows amid the state’s financial difficulties.
Thakur said higher fuel prices were particularly burdensome for Himachal Pradesh because of its geography and claimed that the increased cost of transportation was ultimately affecting prices of essential commodities and putting additional pressure on poorer households.
Referring to protests by HRTC employees, government employees and pensioners from Shimla’s Ridge to Dharamsala, Thakur alleged that the Sukhu government had lost public credibility. He claimed that election guarantees, budget announcements and other promises had remained largely on paper.
The former Chief Minister also criticised the government over the controversy surrounding permission for a school programme in Barsar, saying it was unfortunate that the matter had reached the High Court.
Earlier on Sunday, Thakur paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Shimla’s Ridge on his death anniversary.
Recalling Vajpayee’s association with Himachal Pradesh, Thakur said the former Prime Minister considered the state his home and continued to visit his residence at Prini in Manali even when he was in the Opposition.
Thakur said Vajpayee’s tenure had been particularly beneficial for Himachal Pradesh and credited the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana with enabling large-scale road connectivity across the state. He also recalled Vajpayee as the visionary behind the Atal Tunnel.
