Mandi: In a fiery speech at the BJP’s “Aakrosh Rally” in Mandi, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of shielding corrupt practices. Thakur’s address brought the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the spotlight, alleging high-level corruption linked directly to the Chief Minister’s Office.
Crusher Operator Arrest Sparks Controversy
Thakur highlighted a controversial arrest by the ED involving a crusher operator accused of financial irregularities. He alleged that this individual, despite enjoying undue privileges during the state’s natural disaster, was later disowned by the Chief Minister. Refuting Sukhu’s claims of ignorance, Thakur pointed to a viral video purportedly showing the accused being chauffeured in the CM’s official car and entering the Chief Minister’s Office.
“How can the Chief Minister claim he doesn’t know someone he was personally accompanying in his official vehicle?” Thakur questioned, accusing Sukhu of misleading the public.
Corruption at the Helm of Governance
Thakur did not stop at the crusher operator case. He alleged that corruption had reached the highest levels of the state administration, claiming that the government helicopter was being used by recruitment mafias for deals worth crores. “This is a new low for Himachal Pradesh,” he asserted.
Political Vendetta in Mandi
The Leader of Opposition accused the Congress government of targeting Mandi district for political revenge. Thakur alleged that funds were being diverted from ongoing projects, and attempts were being made to close down Mandi University. He also criticized efforts to undermine Sardar Patel University (SPU), attributing it to Congress’ ideological biases.
Governance Failures on Multiple Fronts
Thakur’s critique extended to the government’s financial mismanagement, inflated taxes, and poor disaster relief efforts. He accused the Congress of exploiting relief funds for personal and political gain, favoring influential families over genuinely affected individuals.
He questioned the rationale behind the government’s upcoming celebrations marking two years in office, stating, “Are they celebrating financial collapse, public grievances, or administrative decline?”
Thakur’s focus on the ED investigation and allegations of corruption struck a chord with the rally’s audience, signaling heightened political tensions as the Congress government prepares for its second anniversary celebrations. Whether these claims lead to substantive action or remain political rhetoric will shape Himachal Pradesh’s political discourse in the months ahead.
