Jairam Thakur Criticizes Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh

Thakur's Strong Critique of the Current Administration

Munish Sood
Mandi

Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and current Leader of Opposition, Jairam Thakur, launched a fierce critique of the Congress-led government during a protest in Balichowki, his home constituency in Seraj. He accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of prioritizing his political survival and Delhi's political landscape over the pressing issues facing the state.

Speaking at a protest against the state government and a ceremony honoring newly elected Panchayati Raj representatives, Thakur claimed that the Congress administration is characterized by 'anarchy, corruption, and political vendetta.' He expressed confidence that the BJP would reclaim power with a strong mandate in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Thakur stated, 'Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is more concerned with his position in Delhi than with the development of Himachal Pradesh, effectively becoming a follower of the Gandhi family.'

He criticized the government for its handling of the Government Senior Secondary School in Deori, Mandi district, alleging that many schools damaged by natural disasters remain unrepaired while the government focuses on the school that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is expected to visit.

Thakur pointed out that students have been deprived of essential facilities for nearly a year as the government awaited the proposed visit, a situation that eventually drew the attention of the High Court.

'To appease one member of the Gandhi family, the government disregarded rules and procedures, insisting on delaying the inauguration until Priyanka Gandhi could attend,' he remarked, adding that the court had to intervene to ensure that children received necessary facilities without further delay.

He extended an invitation to Priyanka Gandhi to visit Himachal and inaugurate schools that have been rebuilt following disasters.

'First, ensure that all schools destroyed in the disaster are reconstructed. We will then welcome you to inaugurate them,' he stated.

Thakur accused the Congress government of engaging in 'vendetta politics' against opposition members, claiming that FIRs have been filed against BJP leaders, including party officials and legislators, for questioning the government's actions.

'I have witnessed many governments, but this is the first that cannot tolerate criticism. Whenever concerns are raised, FIRs are filed,' he asserted.

Addressing local issues in Seraj, Thakur mentioned that approximately 50 institutions have been shut down since the Congress took power. He specifically highlighted a civil hospital building in the area that, despite being completed, has remained closed for years.

He connected this issue to the tragic death of a woman from Seraj, Manju Devi, at a hospital in Kullu, arguing that better healthcare facilities in the area could have minimized the need for patients to travel outside the constituency for treatment.

In response to remarks made by Kullu MLA Sundar Singh Thakur regarding patients from Seraj seeking treatment in Kullu, the Leader of Opposition emphasized that healthcare should prioritize saving lives rather than political disputes.

'Health institutions exist to save lives. Instead of questioning why Seraj residents seek treatment in Kullu, the government should explain why operational facilities in Seraj are closed,' he said.

Thakur concluded that the Congress government has lost the public's trust and warned that its 'vendetta-driven politics' would have political repercussions.

He claimed that the BJP has strengthened its grassroots presence following the Panchayati Raj elections and that the groundwork for a governmental shift has already been established.

'The foundation for removing this anti-people government has been laid after the Panchayat elections. The BJP will return to power in 2027 with a significant mandate,' Thakur declared.

He urged the Chief Minister to resign if he cannot prioritize the interests of Himachal Pradesh over political maneuvering in Delhi.