Himcare Row Intensifies: Jairam Thakur Questions Sukhu Govt Over ‘₹120 Cr Scam’ Claim

Mandi, April 9: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur sharpened his attack on the Sukhu-led government, alleging attempts to discredit and shut down the Himcare health scheme.

Addressing a protest rally in Bali Chowki (Seraj), Thakur said the government’s claims of a ₹1100 crore scam in Himcare had already been withdrawn in the Assembly after being challenged with facts. He added that the Chief Minister later shifted to alleging a ₹110–120 crore irregularity at IGMC, which he termed “baseless.”

Thakur claimed that during the BJP government (2019–2022), only around ₹60 crore was spent under Himcare at IGMC, questioning how a ₹120 crore scam figure was being cited. He accused the government of spreading “misleading narratives” to weaken the scheme that, according to him, benefitted over 11 lakh people.

He further alleged that the government is systematically targeting previous schemes and institutions, citing closure of several establishments and raising concerns over other welfare initiatives.

BJP leaders also accused the government of administrative bias and ignoring infrastructure issues, including the poor condition of NH-305 despite central funding.

Thakur said the BJP would take the issue to the public and intensify its campaign against what he described as “anti-people policies” of the state government.