Shimla, July 23: Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday accused the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of failing to act against those allegedly involved in the police recruitment paper leak case, while lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strict stance against examination fraud.
In a statement, Thakur said the Prime Minister had sent a clear message that anyone found compromising the future of young aspirants through paper leaks would face strict action. He said the Centre has introduced reforms to make examinations more transparent and secure, describing the measures as a commitment to protecting the interests of millions of students and job seekers.
Taking aim at the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government, Thakur alleged that despite “clear evidence” in the Himachal police recruitment paper leak case, the state government refused to acknowledge it as a paper leak. He claimed that police had arrested several accused based on intelligence inputs, traced financial transactions, and recovered large sums of cash. He also alleged that several candidates had reported instances of mass cheating and demanded examination of CCTV footage, but the government failed to pursue the matter.
The BJP leader further alleged that despite recommendations for a CBI probe, the investigation report was suppressed and officials who should have been held accountable were instead entrusted with important responsibilities.
“Before making statements on such sensitive issues, the Chief Minister should first examine his own government’s actions,” Thakur said. He added that the BJP remains committed to safeguarding the interests of youth and ensuring fairness and transparency in recruitment examinations.
Thakur also criticised the Congress over its handling of the issue at the national level, alleging that if the party was genuinely concerned about paper leaks, it should have raised the matter through a meaningful debate in Parliament instead of disrupting proceedings. He accused the Congress of choosing political confrontation over constructive discussion on an issue directly affecting the future of young people.
