Jairam Thakur Criticizes Himachal Government for Misuse of Power and Political Vendetta
Thakur's Strong Critique of State Governance
Shimla
Jairam Thakur, the former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, has launched a fierce critique against the Himachal Pradesh government during a press conference in Shimla. He accused the administration of abusing its power, engaging in political vendetta, and harassing opposition members.
Thakur emphasized that the governance in Himachal Pradesh has historically focused on development rather than retaliation. He expressed concern that the current Chief Minister is pursuing a path of vengeance instead of progress, stating, “The direction taken by the Chief Minister is neither constructive nor will it yield positive results.”
Claims of Targeting Opposition Legislators
Allegations of Harassment Against MLAs
- Thakur asserted that BJP and independent MLAs who do not support the government are being unfairly targeted.
- He highlighted the situation of Hamirpur MLA Ashish Sharma, who has reportedly been summoned to the police station daily and charged under severe sections unrelated to him, aimed at preventing bail.
- He accused the government of employing an “army of lawyers” against opposition legislators while neglecting proper procedures in mining-related cases.
Political Vendetta Allegations
Thakur's List of Harassed Leaders
- K.L. Thakur – faced shutdown of a crusher despite High Court orders.
- Rajendra Rana – his family members are subjected to “false cases.”
- Inder Dutt Lakhanpal – claims of “daily conspiracies” orchestrated by the CM.
- Sudhir Sharma – property evaluations ordered after raids yielded no evidence.
- Chaitanya Sharma and father – repeatedly questioned by police.
- Devendra Bhutto – received demolition notices despite legal construction.
- Ravi Thakur – faced harassment for supporting BJP in the Rajya Sabha.
- Dr. Rajeev Bindal and Sukhram Chaudhary – charged with attempted murder.
- Independent MLA Hoshiar Singh – his businesses have been targeted.
- BJP district leaders and 166 party workers – faced legal actions after opposing illegal mosque construction.
Thakur condemned these actions as contrary to the cultural values of Himachal and warned, “The consequences of revenge-driven politics have never been favorable, nor will they be in the future.”
Concerns Over Fundraising Practices
Questions on Kangra Carnival Fundraising
In response to media inquiries, Thakur raised concerns about the Kangra Valley Carnival, questioning why a government-sanctioned event was soliciting funds without providing an official account number. He suggested this could be a scheme for “cash collection” and insisted that donors should receive tax exemptions under income tax laws.
Criticism of Information and Public Relations Department
Criticism of IPR Department
Thakur also took aim at the Information and Public Relations Department for allegedly sharing distorted images of the BJP symbol and making disparaging remarks. He cautioned officials, “Do not overstep your boundaries. When this government is out of power in two years, consider your future.”
Allegations of Misuse of Disaster Relief Funds
Disaster Relief and Law Enforcement
He accused the government of misappropriating disaster relief funds for celebrations and claimed that families who lost loved ones in disasters are being harassed by law enforcement. Thakur alleged that 52 individuals are still being detained daily, with identifications being made by political figures rather than police.
Silence on Illegal Activities
Silence on Illegal Logging and Mining
Thakur questioned the government's inaction regarding alleged illegal logging in Banjar and Dharampur, where thousands of trees were reportedly cut down. He noted that despite promises of vigilance inquiries, no action has been taken due to the involvement of ruling party leaders. He also pointed out illegal mining activities in Una, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, and Kangra, claiming that public infrastructure is suffering while police officers investigating these matters are themselves being targeted.
In conclusion, Jairam Thakur accused the Himachal Pradesh government of engaging in political vendetta, misusing power, harassing opposition leaders, irregularities in the Kangra Carnival fundraising, and failing to address illegal logging and mining. He warned that such governance “will not end well.”