Popularity of Sukhu Government Has Declined Sharply, Claims Jai Ram Thakur

Hamirpur/Mandi, December 10:

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, saying that even the Congress high command no longer takes him seriously. Addressing a gathering in Thunag, his home constituency of Seraj, Thakur alleged that the government’s popularity had “sunk to its lowest” despite completing three years in office.

He remarked that while the state government is preparing for a rally in Mandi to celebrate its three-year tenure, senior Congress leaders have distanced themselves from the event, signalling dissatisfaction within the party leadership. Thakur also referred to a recent disaster relief programme held in Mandi, claiming that the Gandhi family skipped the invitation but arrived in Shimla the next day for a private visit, which he said reflects “a lack of seriousness toward the Chief Minister.”

The Leader of Opposition accused the government of failing to launch a single impactful scheme in three years, alleging that institutions opened during the BJP tenure were shut down and welfare schemes either discontinued or deprived of budget. He reiterated that pre-poll promises—such as one lakh government jobs annually, monthly financial support to women, free electricity, and procurement of cow dung—remain unfulfilled.

Thakur further claimed that thousands of outsourced employees lost their jobs, unemployment rose, and electricity bills increased despite assurances. He alleged that Congress leaders were “misleading the public” on central financial assistance, asserting that Himachal has received nearly ₹6,000 crore for disaster management since 2023.

Later, Jai Ram Thakur attended a Hindu Sammelan organised at Janjehli by the Hindu Sammelan Committee to mark 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He praised the RSS for its contributions to nationalism, service, and social unity, describing its century-long journey as “inspirational and worthy of national pride.