Former chief minister and leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, accusing it of silencing every voice of dissent misusing power theough police action.
Addressing a press conference in Mandi on Tuesday, Thakur said the chief minister had developed an “obsession” with filing FIRs. “Instead of running the state responsibly, he is acting at the behest of petty-minded local leaders. It seems the government’s only policy is to file FIRs, send them to jail, or harass their family, if anyone questions its failures, file a case,” he alleged.
Thakur claimed that the government had stooped so low that it filed FIRs against schoolgirls who merely complained about not being served food at a government event. “The children were made to sit under the scorching sun for hours. When they protested, cases were registered against them. This shows how intolerant and insensitive the Sukhu government has become,” he said.
He added that journalists and Opposition leaders were also being targeted. “Anyone who writes or speaks against the government faces legal action. For those it cannot charge, the government spends crores misusing official machinery to run malicious campaigns on social media. This is not democracy, it’s dictatorship,” Thakur said.
He warned that Chief Minister Sukhu should remember the fate of all dictators. “Every act of vendetta will be accounted for. Officials acting as political tools should know that their decisions will be reviewed one day,” he cautioned, urging officers to work with integrity and for the welfare of the state.
Thakur also criticised the government for halting the reconstruction of a road that was washed away in a disaster. “The high court has given clear directions, yet the government is blocking the project. At that site, three lives were lost—has the government lost all sense of compassion and duty,” he questioned.
The BJP leader further alleged that the chief minister had surrounded himself with “dubious officers” and that the state was being run by acting officials.
“From the Chief Secretary and DGP to vice-chancellors and department heads, everyone is holding additional charge. This is a government of caretaker, not a functioning administration,” he said.
Thakur accused the government of turning disaster relief into a money-making opportunity. “Out of Rs 5,500 crore sent by the Centre, only Rs 300 crore reached the affected people. The rest remains unaccounted for. The Prime Minister also approved a Rs 1,500 crore special package, but the state wants to misuse it instead of helping victims,” he alleged.