Jairam Thakur Accuses Himachal Government of Undermining Democratic Mandate During Local Elections
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Shimla, May 25: Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Sunday accused the Congress government in the state of attempting to influence Panchayat and urban local body elections through alleged misuse of power, violation of the model code of conduct and changes in election-related rules.
Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Jairam Thakur claimed that the state government had earlier tried to delay Panchayat elections but failed following intervention by the High Court and Supreme Court. He alleged that despite court directions ensuring the conduct of elections, the government was still attempting to influence the democratic process.
The BJP leader alleged that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made financial announcements during election-related gatherings in support of Congress-backed candidates, which he described as a direct violation of the election code of conduct. He claimed that promises of development funds ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore were made during the campaign period.
Jairam Thakur further stated that BJP-supported candidates had received strong public support in recent municipal council and nagar panchayat elections. He alleged that after these results, the government amended rules related to the election of presidents and vice-presidents in urban local bodies, giving officials wider discretionary powers to delay elections.
According to the Leader of Opposition, the earlier provision requiring a fixed time frame and seven-day notice for such elections had been altered, increasing the possibility of political pressure and “horse trading.”
He also alleged that elected representatives and their families were being pressured through threats related to vigilance inquiries and transfers in order to secure political support for the ruling party.
Jairam Thakur criticised the government for taking cabinet decisions and making public announcements during the election period, including promises related to financial assistance for women and enhancement of honorariums. He termed these moves violations of the model code of conduct.
He said the Bharatiya Janata Party had raised these concerns before the Governor and urged protection of democratic values and constitutional processes in the state.
