Jai Ram Thakur Misleading Voters Before Elections: Harikrishna Himral

Shimla, May 30, 2024: Congress state vice-president Harikrishna Himral has refuted the claims made by Jai Ram Thakur regarding a reduction in employees’ pensions from 50% to 30%. Himral stated that Thakur, foreseeing his electoral defeat and the end of his political career, is resorting to baseless statements to mislead voters.

Himral reminded that Jai Ram Thakur, during his tenure as Chief Minister, had arrogantly suggested that state employees contest elections to secure the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Consequently, the employees ousted him from power. Now, on the brink of general elections, Thakur is once again attempting to mislead the employees. However, Himral emphasized that the people of the state are well aware of Thakur’s inconsistent statements and will not be deceived by his rhetoric.

He further highlighted that Himachal Pradesh, under Congress rule, is the only state in the country providing OPS to its employees. In contrast, BJP-ruled states have neglected employees’ demands. BJP governments, according to Himral, exploit employees and various sections of society. He accused the BJP of increasing debts in their states and mistreating employees. Additionally, he pointed out BJP’s opposition to the Rs. 1500 monthly allowance for women, noting that Jai Ram Thakur and his party members even complained to the Election Commission to halt this guarantee. Nevertheless, Himral assured that once the Model Code of Conduct is lifted, the women of the state will receive their promised Rs. 1500.

Himral concluded by asserting that the voters will not be swayed by BJP’s tactics in the final days before the election and will cast their votes in favor of Congress on June 1. He predicted that the election results on June 4 would mark the end of Jai Ram Thakur’s political career, attributing Thakur’s erratic statements to his impending political demise.