Himachal ex-CM Jai Ram asks EC to ban poll guarantees, alleges Sukhu govt has turned ‘national spectacle’

MANDI: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur made a bold appeal during a press briefing in Mandi, calling on the Election Commission to put an end to what he described as the “era of unrealistic promises” made by political parties to secure power.

Jai Ram urged the Election Commission to introduce strict guidelines that would regulate pre-election guarantees, compelling parties and independent candidates alike to focus on achievable commitments rather than lofty, vote-winning promises.

In his address, Jai Ram alleged that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government had been unable to deliver on its pre-election guarantees and that this had led to widespread disappointment.

He claimed the two-year tenure of the current administration had turned into what he labelled a “nationwide spectacle” as unfulfilled promises and internal disputes were increasingly destabilising the ruling party.

Election reforms must end era of guarantees

Jai Ram emphasised the need for transparency and integrity in political campaigning, arguing that election-time guarantees had often served as tools to mislead the public.

“It’s time to end the era of unrealistic election promises that are used merely as a means to gain power,” he asserted, adding that the Election Commission should establish guidelines mandating political parties to issue realistic pledges, grounded in achievable goals.

He contended that parties making sweeping promises should be held accountable, with the Election Commission playing a more active role in enforcing credibility in political campaigning.

“Every leader, whether from a party or an independent background, should be bound by a framework of genuine promises,” Jai Ram said.

His remarks underscore a broader sentiment within the opposition for electoral reforms that protect voters from misleading assurances made during campaign periods.

Says Sukhu govt has turned ‘national spectacle’

Taking on the Sukhu administration, Jai Ram alleged that the Congress government had failed to honor its pre-election guarantees, leading to what he described as a “spectacle” across the country.

He suggested that the public was growing increasingly disillusioned with the government’s inability to fulfill promises on key issues that were central to its campaign.

“The Congress came to power on a platform of guarantees, yet here we are two years later, with most of those promises still unfulfilled,” said Jai Ram.

He highlighted the frustration building within the electorate as well as within the Congress itself.

Alleges rift in government as ministers, MLAs ‘discontented’

Jai Ram didn’t hold back in his criticism of Chief Minister Sukhu’s leadership, pointing to recent reports of discontent among ministers and legislators within the Congress party.

He cited instances of separate meetings being held by disgruntled party members as evidence of growing discord.

“The Chief Minister accuses me of trying to hold onto my chair, but in reality, it’s his own position that appears increasingly fragile,” Jai Ram remarked, adding that the ongoing instability within the Congress party speaks volumes.

“Even the CM’s closest ministers and legislators are meeting independently, expressing their dissatisfaction with his leadership,” he claimed.