Mandi, August 19: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, accusing it of misgovernance, corruption, administrative failure and political vendetta.
Addressing a protest demonstration and a felicitation programme for newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives at Bali Chowki in his home constituency of Seraj, Thakur alleged that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was more focused on protecting his political position than addressing the concerns of the state.
He claimed that development in Himachal Pradesh had slowed down, while unemployment, administrative issues and public grievances remained unresolved.
Targets CM Over School Inauguration Issue
Thakur also criticised the government over the reconstruction and inauguration of a disaster-affected school, alleging that children were deprived of proper facilities for an extended period while the government awaited a visit by senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.
He said several schools had been damaged during natural disasters, but alleged that the government gave special attention to only one institution associated with a proposed visit by the Congress leader.
Thakur said the High Court eventually intervened, observing that students could not be deprived of facilities while waiting for the visit of a political leader.
He invited Priyanka Gandhi to visit the state and inaugurate reconstructed disaster-affected schools after their completion.
‘Congress Government Engaged in Political Vendetta’
The Leader of Opposition alleged that the Sukhu government was intolerant of criticism and was using police cases against political opponents.
He claimed that cases had been registered against BJP leaders, including party functionaries and elected representatives, and accused the government of working with a spirit of political revenge.
“This is the first government I have seen that appears uncomfortable with criticism and questions,” Thakur alleged.
Raises Closure of Institutions in Seraj
Thakur said that several institutions in his constituency were closed or de-notified after the Congress came to power. He specifically referred to a civil hospital building in the Seraj region, alleging that despite the infrastructure being ready, the facility had remained unused for several years.
He said the closure and non-functioning of health institutions had adversely affected people in remote areas.
Reacting to remarks attributed to Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur regarding patients from Seraj seeking treatment in Kullu, Jai Ram said health institutions were meant to serve people and should not become a matter of regional politics.
BJP Will Return to Power in 2027: Jai Ram
Addressing newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives at Bali Chowki, the BJP leader claimed that the Congress government was losing public support.
He said the BJP would return to power with a strong mandate in the 2027 Assembly elections and alleged that the party’s groundwork would further strengthen after the Panchayat elections.
“The people of Himachal are watching the performance of the government, and the BJP will return with a decisive mandate in 2027,” Thakur claimed.
