Leader of Opposition targets CM over election guarantees and Congress leadership; says Himachal’s interests should take precedence over pleasing the high command
Munish Sood
Mandi
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Wednesday sharpened his attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, questioning his frequent visits to Delhi and demanding clarity on the political developments concerning Himachal Pradesh. He also challenged the Chief Minister to explain the status of the Congress’s election guarantees and questioned the priorities of the state government.
During his visit to the Saraj Assembly constituency, Thakur alleged that the frequency of Sukhu’s trips to the national capital had become a matter of public curiosity, with reports of one visit following soon after news of his return.
“The people of Himachal Pradesh want to know what is happening in Delhi concerning their state and what political calculations are being worked out there,” Thakur said, asking the Chief Minister to explain the purpose of his repeated meetings with the Congress leadership.
‘First answer the people of Himachal Pradesh’
Escalating his attack, Thakur questioned the Congress’s position on electoral processes, arguing that the party should first account for the promises on which it sought the people’s mandate in Himachal Pradesh. He alleged that the Congress had made misleading guarantees before the Assembly elections and demanded an apology from Sukhu to the people of the state.
The BJP leader also criticised the Chief Minister’s participation in protests linked to the electoral system, questioning the political rationale behind the move. He called upon Sukhu to distance himself from what he described as an attempt to create political disorder.
Thakur further said the results of the recent Panchayati Raj elections should be conveyed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the outcome held important political lessons for the ruling party ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Taking a direct swipe at the Chief Minister’s relationship with the Congress high command, Thakur said the effort being spent on maintaining the confidence of the central leadership would be better directed towards protecting Himachal Pradesh’s interests.
His remarks put the spotlight on two key political issues: the accountability of the Congress government over its electoral commitments and the relationship between the state leadership and the party high command.
BJP steps up grassroots mobilisation in Saraj
Alongside his political attack, Thakur attended booth-level meetings at the BJP Gram Kendras in Kandha and Baga Syad, where he discussed organisational activities and future programmes with party workers.
He described the BJP’s organisational network and committed workers as its principal strength, stressing the importance of connecting with people at the grassroots and communicating the policies of the party and the development initiatives of the Narendra Modi-led central government.
The meetings formed part of his Saraj visit, during which he also interacted with local residents and discussed issues related to regional development and public welfare.
Yamuna Thakur, chairperson of the Kullu and Naggar Block Panchayat Samitis, Bed Ram Thakur and BJP Kullu Sadar Mandal president Sharban Lal Thakur also met the Leader of Opposition. Discussions covered local development priorities, public concerns and organisational matters.
Blood donation camp highlights BJP’s service initiative
Thakur also participated in a blood donation camp organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha’s Saraj Mandal at Baga Syad under its Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
During the event, he affectionately met Nitika, a young girl affected by the disaster in the Saraj Assembly constituency, and had her inaugurate the camp.
Describing blood donation as a vital humanitarian service, Thakur said that a single donation could help save a life. He appreciated the donors, organisers and party workers for their contribution to the initiative.
Focus on education at adopted school
Thakur later visited Government Senior Secondary School, Baga Chanogi, which he has adopted, and interacted with students.
He said the initiative was intended to encourage efforts to improve the educational environment and help students develop their abilities. Expressing happiness at meeting the children, he emphasised the importance of providing them with better opportunities to pursue their ambitions.
The visit combined political outreach and organisational engagement with social initiatives, as the Leader of Opposition used his Saraj tour to raise questions about the state government’s priorities while meeting party workers, residents and students.
