Jai Ram Thakur Accuses CM Sukhu of Violating Model Code of Conduct in Mandi Poll Campaign
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Mandi, May 14: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the ongoing Municipal Corporation election campaign in Mandi, alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct through announcements made during public rallies.
Jai Ram Thakur claimed that the Chief Minister’s announcement of allocating Rs 50 lakh each to councillors amounted to offering inducements to voters and reflected what he termed as “irresponsible and vindictive politics.”
Addressing election meetings in different wards of Mandi, the BJP leader said such promises during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct were inappropriate and unconstitutional. He also alleged that the Congress party was once again relying on “false guarantees” and misleading promises to influence voters.
The former Chief Minister further accused the state government of taking credit for development funds provided by the Central Government under the Urban Challenge Scheme and misleading the public regarding financial allocations.
Questioning the government over alleged discrimination against Mandi, Jai Ram Thakur said that although projects worth Rs 1,000 crore were sent to the Centre from Mandi, only projects worth Rs 180 crore were approved by the state government. He also alleged that several projects initiated during the BJP government, including funds for Shiv Dham, the proposed Greenfield Airport and development grants for Mandi, were either stalled or diverted elsewhere after the Congress government came to power.
He claimed that the government attempted to weaken Mandi by withdrawing resources and slowing down developmental activities in the region.
During the campaign, Jai Ram Thakur addressed public meetings in Dahoundi, Bhiuli, Thanehra and Khaliyar wards and appealed to voters to support BJP candidates in the Municipal Corporation elections. He alleged that Congress had failed to resolve civic issues or respect public sentiment over the past three-and-a-half years.
The BJP leader also referred to local political developments in Behna and Dahoundi wards, accusing Congress of double standards and political opportunism during the nomination process.
Former minister and MLA Anil Sharma, MLA Inder Singh Gandhi, MLA Puran Chand and BJP district president Nihal Chand Sharma were also present during the campaign.
