Jairam Thakur Accoses Sukhu Government of Misleading State Over Panchayat Elections Delay

Shimla, Feb 04, 2026
Jai Ram Thakur, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, has strongly criticized the state government for repeatedly misleading people over Panchayat elections. Speaking in Shimla, Thakur alleged that the government never intended to conduct elections on time and deliberately delayed the process despite High Court directions.

He said the delay is causing major losses to rural and urban local bodies by blocking access to central funds and development schemes. Thakur accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of weakening democratic institutions, claiming that without elected representatives, implementation of central schemes and financial grants under the 16th Finance Commission will be severely affected.

Thakur also pointed to stalled MGNREGA projects and lack of employment in hundreds of panchayats, blaming the government’s mismanagement and intentional delays.