Administrators to Take Over Panchayats as Law and Order Deteriorates in Himachal: Jai Ram Thakur

Shimla | January 31, 2026: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur strongly criticised the state government, stating that for the first time in Himachal Pradesh’s history, administrators will be appointed in all gram panchayats from February 1, rendering over 30,000 elected representatives ineffective. He alleged that the delay in conducting panchayat elections and failure to publish voter lists by the January 30 deadline reflect the government’s disregard for democratic institutions and Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of grassroots governance.

Thakur accused the government of misleading the public and using legal provisions to postpone elections despite court directions. He further expressed concern over the worsening law and order situation, claiming that incidents of gunfire and mafia activities have become frequent across the state, with criminals allegedly receiving political protection.