Jairam Thakur Slams Govt Over Drug Menace, Pledges BJP’s Commitment

Dharamshala, Feb 17: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, accused the state government of failing to combat the rising drug menace in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a press conference in Dharamshala, he urged the government to take serious measures, assuring full support from the opposition in the fight against drugs.

Thakur criticized the dismantling of the Himachal Drug-Free App and CM Seva Sankalp Helpline, which were previously effective in gathering public information on drug networks. He alleged that the current administration has made these initiatives defunct, signaling a lack of commitment to tackling the issue.

Highlighting increasing drug-related deaths, he cited official data that reported 11 overdose deaths between 2022 and July 2024, with many more cases likely going unreported. He also raised concerns over alleged police complicity in drug networks, questioning the credibility of law enforcement in handling public complaints.

Thakur also attacked the government’s economic policies, alleging mismanagement in employment programs, skill development initiatives, and financial planning. He accused the administration of budget misallocation, leading to delayed pension payments for HRTC employees.