Jairam Thakur Accuses Congress of Misusing Power, Pressuring Local Body Representatives

Mandi, June 23: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Monday accused the state government of attempting to influence local self-government institutions despite losing public support in recent elections. Speaking to mediapersons at Tattapani, Thakur alleged that the Congress government was delaying the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies to exert pressure on elected representatives.

He claimed that BJP-backed members were being subjected to administrative pressure, including vigilance inquiries and transfers, and alleged that employment opportunities were being used as a means to influence elected representatives. Referring to the Jogindernagar Block Committee elections, Thakur alleged that newly created positions in the Jal Shakti Department were used to secure political support.

The Leader of Opposition also criticized the state government’s decision to close educational institutions, claiming that more than 2,500 institutions had been shut down. He alleged that the government first transferred teachers from schools, leading to a decline in enrolment, and later used low student numbers as a reason to close those institutions.

Thakur further questioned the government’s handling of milk procurement, stating that despite promoting dairy procurement initiatives, farmers were facing difficulties due to inadequate processing capacity. He described the government as lacking vision and accused it of focusing on political maneuvering rather than governance.

Earlier in the day, at Chindi in Karsog, Jairam Thakur paid tribute to nationalist leader and former Union Minister Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary. He described Mookerjee as a visionary leader whose contributions to national unity and integrity continue to inspire generations.

Following the tribute event, Thakur interacted with newly elected Block Committee members from various parts of the Karsog Assembly constituency.