Jairam Thakur Accuses CM Sukhu of Politicising Relief Event, Mismanaging Funds

Mandi, November 11: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur sharply criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that the state’s disaster-relief distribution event was turned into a political platform. Addressing a press conference in Mandi, he said the CM used the occasion to vent his frustration instead of showing sensitivity toward disaster-affected families.

Thakur claimed that the state government intentionally avoided inviting BJP MLAs to the programme and accused ministers of making insensitive remarks. He said the state has failed to utilise even one-tenth of the ₹5,500 crore provided by the Centre since 2023 and added that only ₹81 crore has reached affected people despite months of delay.

He further accused the state government of favouring contractors from Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh by diverting PSU projects to them, and alleged large-scale corruption in the revised excise policy. Thakur said the liquor-policy changes mirror the “Delhi model” that led to legal trouble for AAP leaders.

The Opposition leader also claimed that the government has pushed the state into heavy debt, closed hundreds of schools, and burdened people with taxes. He added that during the disaster, people trusted BJP workers more than the government, calling it a matter of “shame” for the ruling party.

Earlier, Jai Ram Thakur addressed a Mahila Morcha event, stating that BJP-led central government has launched several welfare schemes for women and criticised the Congress for failing to fulfil its promise of providing ₹1500 per month to women.