TNR News Network
Shimla
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur launched a sharp attack on the state government during a press conference in Shimla, alleging misuse of power, political vendetta and harassment of opposition legislators.
Thakur said that governance in Himachal Pradesh has traditionally been driven by development, not retaliation, but the current Chief Minister is working with a “spirit of revenge rather than progress.” He warned, “The path the Chief Minister is walking is neither good work nor will it lead to a good outcome.”
Allegations of Harassment Against MLAs
- Thakur claimed that BJP and independent MLAs who refused to support the government are being targeted.
- He cited the case of Hamirpur MLA Ashish Sharma, who has allegedly been summoned daily to the police station and booked under stringent sections unrelated to him, with the aim of denying bail.
- He accused the government of deploying “an army of lawyers” against opposition legislators, while bypassing departmental procedures in mining cases.
Political Vendetta Against Leaders
Thakur listed several leaders allegedly facing harassment:
- K.L. Thakur – crusher shut down despite High Court orders.
- Rajendra Rana – “false cases” against family members.
- Inder Dutt Lakhanpal – “daily conspiracies” by the CM.
- Sudhir Sharma – property evaluation ordered after raids found nothing.
- Chaitanya Sharma and father – subjected to repeated police questioning.
- Devendra Bhutto – house demolition notices despite legal construction.
- Ravi Thakur – harassment after supporting BJP in Rajya Sabha.
- Dr. Rajeev Bindal and Sukhram Chaudhary – booked under attempt-to-murder charges.
- Independent MLA Hoshiar Singh – business establishments targeted.
- BJP district leaders and 166 party workers – cases filed after opposing illegal mosque construction.
Thakur said such actions are against Himachal’s culture and warned, “The result of revenge-driven politics has never been good, nor will it be in the future.”
Questions on Kangra Carnival Fundraising
Responding to media queries, Thakur questioned why a government-notified event like the Kangra Valley Carnival issued letters seeking funds without providing an official account number. He alleged this could be an attempt at “cash collection” and said donors should at least receive tax exemptions under income tax provisions.
Criticism of IPR Department
Thakur also criticized the Information and Public Relations Department for allegedly posting distorted images of the BJP symbol and making derogatory remarks. He warned officials, “Don’t cross the limit. When this government is gone in two years, think about your future.”
Disaster Relief and Law Enforcement
He accused the government of misusing disaster relief funds for celebrations and claimed that families who lost relatives in disasters but never recovered bodies are being harassed by police. He alleged that 52 people are still being detained daily, with identifications being made by political leaders instead of police.
Silence on Illegal Logging and Mining
Thakur questioned the government’s silence on alleged illegal tree felling in Banjar and Dharampur, where thousands of trees were reportedly cut and dumped. He said despite assurances of vigilance inquiries, no action has been taken because ruling party leaders are involved. He also highlighted illegal mining cases in Una, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, and Kangra, claiming public infrastructure is being damaged while police officers investigating are themselves targeted.
Jairam Thakur accused the Himachal Pradesh government of political vendetta, misuse of power, harassment of opposition leaders, irregularities in the Kangra Carnival fundraising, and inaction on illegal logging and mining. He warned that such governance “will not end well.”
