Munish Sood
Mandi
The long-pending election of the President and Vice-President of the Shimla Zila Parishad has snowballed into a full-blown political confrontation in Himachal Pradesh, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur trading sharp barbs amid rising tensions.
As Jairam Thakur warned of protests and a sit-in over the delay in conducting the elections, Chief Minister Sukhu hit back strongly, accusing the BJP of “political theatrics” and questioning why Zila Parishad members were being taken out of the state instead of participating in the democratic process.
Taking a direct swipe at the Leader of Opposition, Sukhu said Jairam Thakur should have accompanied the members in staging a protest rather than “transporting them to Panchkula.” His remarks added a fresh layer of confrontation to an already heated political atmosphere.
The Chief Minister maintained that the district administration had already scheduled a meeting for conducting the elections, but alleged that the BJP shifted Zila Parishad members out of Himachal Pradesh around the same time. “What is the panic? Why are elected representatives being taken outside the state?” Sukhu asked, raising serious questions over the BJP’s intent.
Reiterating that the election for the Zila Parishad President and Vice-President would be held “under all circumstances,” Sukhu asserted that no force could derail the democratic process. He said there was no administrative hurdle in conducting the polls, but alleged deliberate attempts were being made to stall proceedings.
In a sharp political jibe, the Chief Minister said some members had recently been taken to Rajasthan as well. “If the BJP wishes, it can take them on more tours, arrange sightseeing, and then bring them back for the election. The government will welcome them,” he remarked, intensifying the political rhetoric.
Sukhu further questioned the BJP’s strategy, asking why Zila Parishad members were being “kept in hotels at different locations” and what the opposition was trying to avoid. He also pointed out that elections in other districts had already been completed, asking why Shimla was being treated differently.
“The BJP must explain why there is so much anxiety over the Shimla Zila Parishad elections,” Sukhu said, accusing the opposition of creating unnecessary controversy.
BDC, Zila Parishad Members Under Scanner
The Chief Minister also made a pointed remark on the role of Zila Parishad and Block Development Committee BDC members, stating that their significance was largely confined to the election of top office bearers. His comments are likely to further fuel political debate over the functioning of local bodies.
The controversy comes at a time when the BJP has intensified pressure on the state government, accusing it of deliberately delaying the election process for the top posts in the Shimla Zila Parishad.
Jairam Thakur Alleges Delay, Threatens Legal Battle
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has accused the state government and district administration of intentionally stalling the elections despite the declaration of results. He said a considerable time had passed, yet no date had been fixed for electing the President and Vice-President.
Thakur has warned of approaching the High Court and launching a sit-in protest if the process is not expedited. He has also alleged that the Shimla Deputy Commissioner’s office is functioning under political pressure from the state government.
Sukhu Focuses on Development Amid Political Storm
Amid the escalating political confrontation, Chief Minister Sukhu on Monday virtually inaugurated the newly constructed fire station at Nerwa from his official residence and flagged off two fire tenders.
He said the new fire station was essential to strengthen emergency response in Nerwa and surrounding rural areas, particularly in dealing with fire incidents and other emergencies.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is investing around Rs 55 crore in modernising the Fire Services Department. With the new facility and vehicles in place, he said, residents of Nerwa and nearby areas would benefit from faster emergency response and improved safety services.
