‘Protect Himachal’s Heritage, Don’t Put It on Sale’: Jairam to Sukhu

Shimla, November 11: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday accused the Sukhu government of compromising Himachal Pradesh’s interests by allegedly selling or leasing public assets to benefit its close associates.

In a statement, Thakur cited the Palampur Agriculture University land, Peterhof, Wildflower Hall, HPTDC hotels and the proposed Him Chandigarh project, alleging a lack of transparency in decisions involving state properties. He also questioned the government’s handling of the Medical Devices Park, claiming that industrial plots were being allotted to people close to the ruling establishment.

Thakur further alleged that the government had twice attempted to amend Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, but withdrew the moves following opposition. He also raised concerns over alleged pressure on panchayat representatives to issue no-objection certificates for land-related projects.

Referring to the leasing of HPTDC hotels and the Wildflower Hall issue, he accused the government of pursuing real estate interests instead of protecting public assets. He claimed that civil society had to approach the Supreme Court to protect the state’s interests in the Palampur university land matter.

Thakur urged the Chief Minister to focus on preserving state properties rather than selling or leasing them, alleging that the government’s decisions were putting Himachal’s heritage and resources at risk.

Samagra Sikhsha