Mandi, June 5:
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Friday criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over his reported remarks concerning elected local body representatives, alleging that the statement amounted to disrespecting democratic institutions and the public mandate.
In a statement issued from Mandi, Thakur said elected representatives at the district, block and panchayat levels derive their authority from the people and should be treated with respect. He alleged that remarks diminishing their role reflected poorly on democratic values and called upon the Chief Minister to apologise.
The BJP leader also targeted the state government over corruption allegations raised in recent months. He claimed that instead of responding to the charges, the government was attempting to deflect attention from the issues. Referring to allegations linked to the Chester Hills matter and other controversies, Thakur said the government must provide clear answers rather than dismiss concerns raised by political opponents and members of the public.
He further alleged that repeated attempts to label such allegations as politically motivated would not address questions being raised about governance and accountability.
Meanwhile, Thakur met newly elected representatives from various local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions at his residence in Tandi, Seraj. Representatives from Balh, Ani, Kangra and several newly constituted gram panchayats of Seraj Assembly constituency called on the former Chief Minister and discussed local development priorities and public welfare issues.
Congratulating the newly elected representatives, Thakur urged them to place public service at the centre of their work and focus on strengthening rural development, transparency and delivery of basic services.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the former Chief Minister also planted a sapling in his native village Tandi along with his wife, Dr. Sadhna Thakur. He appealed to people across the state to actively participate in plantation drives and environmental conservation efforts.
“Trees stand in the sun while giving shade to others. Protecting nature is our collective responsibility and every sapling planted today is an investment in a cleaner and healthier future,” he said.
