Munish Sood
Mandi
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Sunday launched a pointed attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, invoking the late six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to question Sukhu’s leadership style and credibility.
Addressing mediapersons in Mandi after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, Thakur alleged that even Virbhadra Singh had, in the past, criticised Sukhu’s functioning, claiming that the present Chief Minister was “adept at misleading narratives and political manoeuvring.” He further asserted that discontent within the Congress was growing, with some leaders privately attributing the party’s electoral success to factors beyond Sukhu’s leadership.
Questions Over Governance and Internal Dissent
Thakur said the current government was facing credibility issues, both in governance and within its own ranks. He claimed that several Congress leaders were unhappy with the functioning of the government, though no official response has been issued by the ruling party on these remarks.
The Congress, in earlier statements, has maintained that its government reflects a collective mandate and has dismissed opposition criticism as politically driven.
Corruption Allegations and Political Warning
The former Chief Minister accused the Sukhu-led government of being “deeply mired in corruption” and said that these issues would come to light with any future change in power.
“Once there is a change in power multiple layers will be exposed and several prominent names will come under scrutiny,” Thakur stated.
The ruling side has consistently rejected such allegations, countering that the opposition is attempting to shift focus from its own tenure.
Himcare Scheme at Centre of Dispute
Thakur also defended the BJP government’s flagship Himcare health scheme, accusing the present dispensation of attempting to discredit it through “incorrect and misleading information.”
He rejected claims regarding alleged irregular medical procedures under the scheme, stating that all treatments were conducted under defined packages and could be verified through official records. He also referred to inputs shared in the Assembly by Bharmaur MLA and medical professional Dr. Janak Raj regarding the scheme’s implementation.
Continuing Political Exchange
The remarks underline the continuing exchange between the opposition and the ruling party in Himachal Pradesh, with both sides focusing on leadership, governance record and public schemes. While the BJP has intensified its criticism, the Congress is expected to respond by reiterating its policy decisions and governance priorities.
