CM Misleading People on Panchayat Poll Delay, Says Jai Ram Thakur

Shimla, March 13, 2026: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of making contradictory statements regarding the delay in panchayat elections. He said the government earlier cited the Disaster Management Act in affidavits submitted before courts, while now claiming the delay was due to students’ examinations.

Thakur said the elections are being conducted following directions from the Supreme Court of India, and questioned the government for changing its stand repeatedly. He also criticized the state government for increasing entry fees on outside vehicles, calling the justification given by the Chief Minister “illogical.”