Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 2 (ANI): Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging the government to seek a fresh public mandate.
Thakur alleged that the state government failed to fulfill the promises made to the people, delivering a sharp critique of the Congress-led government’s performance over the past two years.
While addressing a press conference on Thursday, LoP Thakur delivered a sharp critique of the Congress-led state government’s two-year tenure.
He described the year 2024 as one of political, social, and economic instability, likening the government’s functioning to the satirical television program “Ulta Pulta” by comedian “Jaspal Bhatti”.
“The year 2024, from beginning to end, has been marked by unprecedented instability in Himachal Pradesh. It began with political controversies and ended with severe economic crises. The state witnessed a government whose decision-making process was akin to a comedy show,” he said.
He criticized the state government for making “illogical and poorly thought-out decisions” that led to “embarrassment and reversals.” Referring to controversial taxation policies, including a proposal to tax women for using public toilets, Thakur remarked, “The last year was a blend of bizarre decisions, from discussions on samosas to jungle chickens, culminating in a toilet tax proposal. This absurdity reflects the government’s lack of seriousness.”
Thakur lambasted the government for its failure to deliver on its promises, particularly the guarantee of providing 300 units of free electricity to all households. He highlighted the state government’s recent appeal for citizens to voluntarily forgo electricity subsidies. “The Congress government came to power on the basis of guarantees, and now, it is reneging on those promises. This betrayal of public trust calls for the government to resign and seek a fresh mandate,” Thakur asserted.
Thakur questioned the practicality and revenue impact of the subsidy withdrawal scheme, stating, “There are approximately 26 lakh electricity consumers in Himachal Pradesh. The government hasn’t even clarified how much revenue will be generated from this measure.”
The Leader of the Opposition accused the Congress government of neglecting the education sector. “Over 1,100 primary schools have been shut down, forcing children, especially in tribal and remote areas, to drop out of school. This has disrupted the education of countless students,” he said.
Thakur also raised concerns about the state’s deteriorating law and order situation, citing incidents of shootings and violent clashes. “The state has witnessed an unprecedented decline in governance. From court premises to industrial areas, violence has become rampant under this government,” he added.
He also alleged corruption in Forest Affairs. Thakur brought attention to illegal deforestation in the Kullu district, alleging political protection for those involved. He stated that a BJP committee was investigating the matter, and further details would be shared after the findings were finalized.
Concluding his address, Thakur called on the Congress government to resign, stating, “If you cannot fulfil the guarantees that brought you to power, you have no moral right to govern. The people of Himachal Pradesh deserve better.”
Thakur also criticized the government’s dependency on central aid while simultaneously accusing the Centre of neglect. “Despite their baseless allegations, Himachal continues to receive support from the central government. It’s time for the Congress to acknowledge this fact,” he said.
This press conference marked a strong critique of the state government, with Thakur underscoring the challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh and demanding accountability from the ruling party. (ANI)
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