Jairam Thakur Demands Shimla Zila Parishad Polls Within Two Days

SHIMLA, Aug. 8: Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Saturday accused the Congress government of delaying the election of the Shimla Zila Parishad Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson and alleged that administrative machinery was being used for political purposes.

Thakur demanded that the election schedule be announced within two days, warning that the BJP would approach the High Court and launch democratic protests if the polls were not conducted.

He alleged that the government had repeatedly delayed Panchayati Raj elections and subsequently amended rules governing the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons. Referring to a recent Himachal Pradesh High Court ruling in the Indora Block Samiti matter, he claimed that the court had held that such elections could not be postponed indefinitely.

Thakur said the Shimla Zila Parishad has 25 elected members, including 13 supported by the BJP, and alleged that despite the mandate, the administration had not announced the election schedule for the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

“The Deputy Commissioner’s office cannot be turned into a Congress Party office,” Thakur said, alleging political interference in the functioning of the district administration. He maintained that civil servants must function in accordance with the Constitution and law rather than political considerations.

The former Chief Minister also claimed that the Congress had faced setbacks in recent Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections. He alleged that the BJP-supported candidates had secured significant victories and that Congress had been unable to field candidates in several Zila Parishads.

Thakur further accused the government of political vendetta through the registration of cases against BJP leaders and workers. He said the BJP would continue to raise issues through constitutional and democratic means and would not be deterred by administrative pressure or criminal cases.

He asserted that the recent local election results were an indication of public sentiment and claimed that the 2027 Assembly elections would provide the people an opportunity to decide the future of the state government.

Thakur also expressed grief over the recent bus accident in Chamba district, conveyed condolences to the families of those who died, and urged the government to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured and assistance to affected families.