Accuses Sukhu govt of trying to intimidate media through false cases on journalists
MANDI, November 22
Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has launched a scathing attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government, accusing it of prioritising political survival over the state’s welfare.
Jai Ram alleged that in the past two years, the government had focused solely on safeguarding the positions of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) while turning a blind eye to pressing developmental issues.
Speaking at a press conference in Mandi, he claimed that the government spent Rs 6 crore on legal fees to protect CPS posts. In a recent Supreme Court case, he claimed, the government reportedly shelled out Rs 2 crore solely to secure a stay order. “This unnecessary expenditure is being borne by the state’s people while the state suffers from lack of development,” he said.
State’s interests compromised for political gains
Jai Ram expressed concern over what he described as the government’s double standards in legal representation. “While the Sukhu government has hired an expensive team of lawyers to safeguard its political interests, it appoints ordinary lawyers for cases concerning the state’s welfare. This is why Himachal Pradesh has been losing key legal battles,” he stated.
He further accused the Congress government of being preoccupied with retaining power rather than addressing the developmental needs of the state. “Development has come to a complete standstill, while the government remains obsessed with saving CPS positions. Hiring top lawyers from Delhi to defend CPS posts reflects misplaced priorities,” he remarked.
Jai Ram also criticised the government’s recent economic reforms, alleging that they were riddled with ulterior motives. “These so-called reforms are not in the interest of the state. During the BJP government, even during the COVID-19 crisis, we never attached public sector assets or handed them over to private entities. However, the Congress government has not even bothered to appeal against court orders that harm the state’s interests,” he claimed.
False claims during poll campaign in other states
He also criticised the Congress for making false claims during election campaigns in other states, including promises to fulfill 10 guarantees in Himachal Pradesh. “These unfulfilled promises are a disgrace and highlight the party’s failure to deliver on its commitments,” he said.
Responding to allegations by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Jai Ram clarified that the hotels in Janjehli and Manali were constructed under the PPP (public-private partnership) model with assistance from the Asian Development Bank. “These hotels were leased under standard terms, contrary to the baseless claims made by the minister,” he said.
Jai Ram also condemned the Congress government’s approach toward the media. “Filing cases against journalists and mistreating them shows the government’s desperation. It is avoiding accountability and targeting the press out of frustration,” he said, adding that such actions were unbecoming of a democratic government.
