Mandi: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has accused the Sukhu-led Congress government of engaging in vendetta politics by targeting Sardar Patel University (SPU) in Mandi. In a scathing attack, Thakur claimed that the government is attempting to shut down the university simply because of its name, which does not align with the Nehru-Gandhi family legacy.
“The Congress is uncomfortable with institutions named after national icons outside their family lineage. Since coming to power, the Sukhu government has left no stone unturned in its mission to dismantle SPU, undermining the aspirations of thousands of students,” said Thakur.
He added, “Governments worldwide strive to create infrastructure and build institutions to be remembered for their contributions. But the Sukhu government is focused on closing down functional institutions and destroying existing infrastructure. This is not only anti-development but also a betrayal of the youth of Himachal Pradesh.”
SPU’s Infrastructure Undermined
Thakur accused the Congress government of systematically weakening SPU by reallocating a key university building, constructed with central government funds, to a private school. He alleged that this move was driven by political vendetta rather than any developmental vision.
The leader of the opposition further alleged that funds allocated to SPU under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) were diverted arbitrarily, violating established norms. “It is shocking and disgraceful that tenders had already been issued to procure essential materials for the university, but the Sukhu government, in its dictatorial style, diverted the funds. This is a clear attempt to undermine the functioning of SPU,” he said.
Thakur warned the state government against adopting such divisive policies and demanded a reversal of these actions. “If Chief Minister Sukhu cannot open new universities, he should at least refrain from shutting down existing ones. Himachal Pradesh will not forgive such anti-education policies,” he remarked.
Shrinking SPU’s Jurisdiction
Thakur also pointed out the Sukhu government’s deliberate reduction of SPU’s jurisdiction. He stated that at its inception, the university catered to 146 colleges from five districts—Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti. However, colleges from Kangra, Chamba, Ani, and Nirmand areas were removed, leaving only 46 colleges affiliated with SPU.
“This is a calculated move to marginalize SPU and deny opportunities to students from these regions. The Congress government’s vendetta politics is not only harming educational institutions but also neglecting the concerns of students and parents from Kangra and Chamba. Such acts are deeply unjust and unacceptable,” Thakur said.
Political Vendetta Over Public Welfare
The leader of the opposition accused the Sukhu government of prioritizing political vendetta over public welfare. “The Congress is using every opportunity to dismantle institutions built during the BJP regime. This shortsightedness is hurting the future of Himachal Pradesh and its youth,” he added.
Thakur called on the government to stop its vendetta-driven policies and focus on constructive governance. “The people of Himachal Pradesh expect development, not destruction. The Sukhu government should abandon its anti-education stance and work towards creating opportunities for the youth rather than taking them away,” he concluded.
