Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India]: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, has called for the resignation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging the Congress-led state government to seek a fresh mandate from the public.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Thakur delivered a scathing critique of the government’s performance over the past two years, describing 2024 as a year of “political, social, and economic instability.” Comparing the government’s functioning to the satirical show Ulta Pulta by comedian Jaspal Bhatti, he accused it of making “illogical and poorly thought-out decisions.”
Governance Criticism
Thakur highlighted controversial policies, including a proposal to tax women for using public toilets, and criticized the administration for its inability to fulfill electoral promises such as providing 300 units of free electricity to households. He pointed to the government’s recent appeal for citizens to voluntarily forgo electricity subsidies as a betrayal of public trust.
“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 stated.
He also questioned the practicality of the subsidy withdrawal scheme, citing the lack of clarity on its financial implications for the state’s 26 lakh electricity consumers.
Education and Law and Order Concerns
Thakur criticized the government for closing over 1,100 primary schools, particularly in tribal and remote areas, which he claimed disrupted education and led to student dropouts. He also expressed concerns over deteriorating law and order, referencing incidents of violence in court premises and industrial areas.
“The state has witnessed an unprecedented decline in governance. Violence has become rampant under this government,” Thakur said.
Allegations of Corruption
The Leader of the Opposition accused the government of corruption in forest management, specifically citing illegal deforestation in Kullu. He alleged political protection for those involved and revealed that a BJP committee was investigating the issue.
Call for Accountability
Concluding his address, Thakur reiterated his demand for the government’s resignation, asserting, “If you cannot fulfill the guarantees that brought you to power, you have no moral right to govern. The people of Himachal Pradesh deserve better.”
He also criticized the Congress government for its 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 remarked.
This press conference marked one of Thakur’s strongest critiques of the state government, underscoring the challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh and calling for accountability from the ruling party.