Alleged Misuse of Disaster Act, and Stalling Vidhayak Nidhi
Sourabh Sood
Dharamshala
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Sukhu government, accusing it of adopting “emergency-like tactics” to avoid Panchayat elections and misusing the Disaster Management Act for political convenience rather than public welfare.
Speaking to the media, Thakur said the government has failed completely in providing timely relief to disaster-hit regions, while simultaneously blocking development funds meant for MLAs.
“Vidhayak Nidhi Frozen, Development Works Halted”
Thakur alleged that despite tall promises in the budget, the government has not released MLA Area Development Funds for months, bringing local development to a standstill.
He said that after widespread damage due to calamities, MLA funds were the only immediate support mechanism available for local relief, but even that has been stopped.
“Corruption at Its Peak, Payment Commission Racket Active”
The Opposition Leader further alleged that payments from the treasury have been blocked and that government “favourites” are running a commission-based racket.
“Government Distorting Statements on OPS”
Thakur accused the government and the Chief Minister’s “inner circle” of deliberately twisting and editing BJP’s statements in the Assembly to link them with the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
He also alleged that public money is being misused by the “CM’s friend circle” to run propaganda campaigns and abusive commentary against BJP leaders.
Walkout Over Panchayat Polls Issue
The BJP legislative party staged a walkout after what they called “unsatisfactory and evasive” replies from a minister regarding Panchayat elections.
Thakur compared Sukhu’s actions to the Emergency imposed by former PM Indira Gandhi.
“Will Not Tolerate Misconduct in the House”
Thakur said BJP MLAs are not obligated to tolerate misbehavior from any minister or ruling party MLA during Assembly proceedings.
He said the BJP delegation met Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and conveyed their decision to boycott any minister who behaves in an undignified manner.
He accused Congress leaders of trying to claim credit for works done by others.
