Jairam Thakur Calls Civic Polls ‘Semifinal’
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Shimla, April 21, 2026:
Jairam Thakur, Leader of the Opposition, said that the upcoming urban local body and municipal corporation elections will act as a “semifinal” ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls, asserting that the people of Himachal Pradesh are ready for change.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said the Bharatiya Janata Party is fully prepared for the elections and claimed that public dissatisfaction with the government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is clearly visible across the state.
Welcoming the notification issued by the State Election Department, he stressed that the electoral process must be conducted in a free and fair manner, alleging that delays in holding these elections had already impacted grassroots democratic institutions.
Thakur accused the state government of adopting policies that, according to him, have burdened the public and failed to meet electoral promises. He claimed that various sections of society, including women, farmers, horticulturists, and unemployed youth, are dissatisfied and eager to express their mandate through voting.
Raising concerns over governance and administration, he alleged that development works have slowed despite continued central assistance, and criticised what he described as weak administrative control and rising corruption.
He also expressed concern over the law and order situation, stating that increasing crime rates reflect governance challenges and administrative inefficiencies.
Calling the upcoming elections crucial, Thakur said they would set the tone for the 2027 Assembly elections, expressing confidence that his party would secure a decisive mandate and return to power.
