Munish Sood
Mandi
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today launched a blistering attack on the Sukhu government, accusing it of pushing the state into administrative chaos, financial mess and democratic decay.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Una, Jai Ram Thakur said that the much-publicised slogan of “Sukh ki Sarkar” has turned hollow as people across the state are facing insecurity, unemployment and economic distress. He said the prevailing lawlessness reflects a complete collapse of governance in Devbhoomi Himachal.
Beginning the press interaction on a sombre note, the Leader of Opposition expressed deep condolences over recent tragic road accidents. He termed the death of four members of a family in a single accident at Daulatpur as heartbreaking and said the BJP stands firmly with the bereaved family. He also expressed concern over the Haripur Dhar bus accident in Sirmaur district and demanded immediate financial assistance and best possible medical treatment for the injured.
Jai Ram Thakur alleged that the Sukhu government has failed on every front. “Incidents of firing and heinous crimes are increasing rapidly. It appears the Chief Minister has completely lost control over the administration,” he said.
Highlighting the financial condition of the state, he said Himachal is passing through its worst-ever economic crisis. “Instead of focusing on development, the government is burdening the state with massive loans which are being spent on luxuries and wasteful expenditure. This is pushing Himachal’s future into darkness,” he remarked.
On employment, the Leader of Opposition reminded the government of its election promise of providing five lakh jobs. He said recruitment processes have come to a standstill and educated youth are being forced to protest on the streets. He also pointed out that for the first time in the state’s history, government employees are compelled to approach courts for their rightful DA and arrears.
Expressing serious concern over the rising menace of synthetic drugs (chitta) in border districts, Jai Ram Thakur said the youth are being pushed into addiction due to weak government policies, while the police remain mere spectators. He also described the closure of public institutions opened during the BJP regime as an example of vindictive politics.
Democracy Under Threat
After the press conference, Jai Ram Thakur chaired a meeting of the Panchayati Raj Cell and elected representatives at the BJP office. He accused the government of deliberately delaying Panchayat and local body elections by misusing the Disaster Management Act.
“It is ironic that on one hand the government cites disaster as an excuse to postpone elections, while on the other hand it is celebrating three years in power with grand events and fairs. This reflects its double standards and insensitivity towards democracy,” he said.
Welcoming the strong observations made by the High Court in the matter, Jai Ram Thakur demanded that the election process be initiated immediately so that rural development does not suffer and democratic governance is restored.
Concluding his visit, he called upon party workers to ensure that Central Government welfare schemes reach the last person in society. He warned that if anti-people decisions are not withdrawn and governance does not improve, the BJP will soon launch a decisive statewide mass movement.
Earlier, on his arrival in Una, the former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition was accorded a grand welcome by BJP MLAs, former legislators, party office-bearers and workers.
