Former Himachal CM accuses Congress government of stalling development, shutting down public welfare schemes; targets Rahul Gandhi over remarks on constitutional institutions
Mandi/Karsog, October 9, 2026
Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Friday claimed that people had made up their minds to remove the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government, predicting a historic victory for the BJP in the next Assembly elections.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony for newly elected representatives in the Karsog Assembly constituency, Thakur congratulated the elected representatives and urged them to remain committed to public service. He alleged that the Congress had suffered a major setback in the local body and Panchayati Raj elections and said the BJP’s focus should now be on increasing its victory margin in the Assembly elections.
“Wherever I go across the state, the enthusiasm among people indicates the likely outcome of the coming elections,” Thakur said, alleging that the government had failed to deliver on development. He expressed confidence that a BJP government would revive stalled development projects and accelerate infrastructure work across the state.
Targeting the state government over road connectivity, Thakur alleged that several roads damaged during disasters had not been adequately restored. Roads that once carried vehicles, he claimed, had deteriorated to such an extent that people were forced to depend on mules in some areas. He accused the government of bringing development activities to a standstill.
Thakur also questioned the functioning of the state Cabinet, alleging that meetings had repeatedly been postponed and that the chief minister had lost the confidence of his own legislators and ministers. He claimed that the government was more focused on a select group of associates than on public welfare.
The former chief minister further accused the Congress government of discontinuing welfare schemes and institutions established by the previous BJP government instead of introducing new initiatives. He alleged that Congress leaders were reluctant to face the public because they had little to show in terms of their own achievements.
Thakur also criticised the state government for questioning constitutional institutions, alleging that such criticism was intended to divert attention from its failures.
**Targets Rahul Gandhi over constitutional institutions**
Taking aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over allegations of electoral irregularities and his criticism of constitutional institutions, Thakur said the Congress had historically expected such institutions to function according to its wishes.
He cited appointments and decisions involving former election commissioners and alleged that the Congress had undermined institutional independence when it was in power. Referring to former chief election commissioners Naveen Chawla and V.S. Ramadevi, he made allegations concerning their conduct and subsequent appointments, as well as the formation of a government in Himachal Pradesh.
Thakur said the Congress should respect the constitutional framework and the mandate of voters rather than question institutions when their decisions did not suit the party. He also said Rahul Gandhi should accept the electoral verdict and acknowledge Narendra Modi’s position as the elected prime minister instead of, as he alleged, encouraging political unrest.
Thakur reiterated that the BJP was confident of returning to power in Himachal Pradesh and claimed that a future BJP government would restore the pace of development in the state.
Himachal BJP vice-president Bihari Lal Sharma, district president Hira Lal, Karsog MLA Deep Raj, other local party functionaries, newly elected representatives and a large number of residents attended the programme.
