Jairam Thakur Calls Sukhu ‘Real Estate Dealer’ Over Industrial Policy
Shimla, October 27, 2026: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of prioritising land sales over industrial development, alleging that the state government is failing to create a conducive environment for investment and employment.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said the government should focus on attracting industries rather than promoting plot allotments in projects such as the Medical Devices Park and Bulk Drug Park. He alleged that industrial units were moving to neighbouring states due to harassment and alleged extortion in Himachal Pradesh.
Questioning the Chief Minister’s criticism of the industrial package, Thakur said that if irregularities had occurred, the government should cancel the scheme and order an investigation. He argued that industrialisation was essential for investment, employment generation, economic growth and curbing migration, adding that the government’s approach contradicted its stated goals of making Himachal self-reliant by 2027 and a prosperous state by 2032.
Thakur also accused the state government of taking credit for improvements in healthcare, education and medical infrastructure without adequately acknowledging the Centre’s contribution.
Raising concerns over robotic surgery charges, he claimed that the fee had increased threefold to ₹90,000 in about a year. He also alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its earlier assurance to bring robotic surgery under the Him Care and Ayushman Bharat schemes.
The Congress-led state government has faced criticism from the opposition over its industrial and healthcare policies, with the BJP demanding greater transparency, investment-friendly measures and accountability.
Samagra Sikhsha
