BJP Protests Against Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh
BJP Demonstrates Against Congress Policies in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, August 5 - The Himachal Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a protest on Wednesday against the alleged anti-people decisions of the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The demonstration highlighted issues such as corruption, deteriorating law and order, misuse of democratic institutions, and politics of vengeance. Under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and BJP state president Rajiv Bindal, hundreds of party workers and supporters marched peacefully from the Central Telegraph office on Mall Road to Sher-e-Punjab, culminating in a blockade of the Chief Minister's official residence at Oakover.
During the protest, slogans were raised against the Congress government, Chief Minister Sukhu, and his ministers, with demands for the state government’s dismissal. Jairam Thakur addressed the gathering, accusing the Congress administration of limiting development projects and welfare schemes since taking office. He stated, “As we approach nearly four years in power, the government continues to engage in politics of disruption.”
Thakur further alleged that the government attempted to delay the elections for panchayats and urban local bodies, aware that the public would reject them. He claimed that following the recent losses in these elections, the Congress government has been misusing the administration to file false criminal cases against BJP leaders and workers.
He remarked, “Officials are being pressured to file FIRs in cases where they themselves acknowledge that no legal grounds exist. This is solely aimed at targeting political opponents.” Thakur asserted that false cases have also been filed against several BJP leaders, including state president Rajiv Bindal, MLAs Sudhir Sharma and Ashish Sharma, former MLA Hoshiyar Singh, and Rajendra Rana, along with their families. He described the targeting of newly elected district council members, councilors, and BJP-supported panchayat representatives as an unprecedented attack on democracy.
Thakur expressed concern over the threat to freedom of expression in the state, noting that journalists publishing unfavorable news about the government and citizens expressing dissent on social media are facing repercussions. He announced that the BJP would raise these issues during the upcoming assembly session starting August 21. He warned that if the government does not change its approach, the BJP's public movement will intensify, ultimately leading to the Congress government being ousted.
Referring to internal developments within the Congress, Thakur claimed that even party leaders are dissatisfied with the government's performance, and this sentiment has reached the party's top leadership. He cautioned that if the Chief Minister does not alter his stance, there could be serious political consequences. Highlighting the worsening law and order situation, Thakur mentioned recent murder incidents in Shimla and the axe murder case in Bilaspur, alleging that criminals are becoming increasingly emboldened in the state.
He also warned government officials not to succumb to political pressure to harass the opposition. Thakur stated that upon the BJP's return to power, officials who misuse their authority for political purposes will be held accountable under the law. Rajiv Bindal remarked that Wednesday's protest is merely the beginning of a statewide movement.
He announced that the BJP will conduct protests every month in every assembly constituency and division against the Congress government's alleged anti-people policies. Bindal pointed out that the Congress had promised to provide women with ₹1,500 every month, yet after nearly four years, millions of women are still waiting for this amount.