Jairam Slams Himachal Government for Forcing Loss-Making Corporations to Sell Liquor

Shimla, June 27, 2025:
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has strongly criticized the Himachal Pradesh government, accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of forcing financially stressed state corporations to sell liquor, pushing them deeper into loss. In a press release, Thakur said the government is causing financial damage to the state while benefiting liquor mafias.

He alleged that corporations like Shimla Municipal Corporation and HPMC have incurred debts of ₹10 crore in just 65 days due to forced liquor vends, with nearly ₹9.99 crore pending as license fees. The Excise Department has initiated recovery actions, which could further impact public welfare services.

Thakur questioned the rationale behind assigning liquor vends to corporations meant for public service, such as HP State Forest Corporation and HP State Civil Supplies Corporation. He also accused the government of opening new liquor shops in rural areas despite public opposition, and of taking action against protestors instead of addressing their concerns.

Further, Thakur claimed that illegal liquor factories are flourishing in places like Parwanoo and Kala Amb, with little action due to alleged political protection. He demanded strict penalties and confiscation of assets of those involved in illicit trade.

He also dismissed the government’s claims of 40% yearly growth in excise revenue, pointing out that this year’s target is only ₹2800 crore instead of ₹4000 crore. In contrast, the BJP government had recorded a 22% excise revenue growth in its last year, he asserted.