Jairam Thakur Claims Congress “Fleeing the Field” After Panchayat Poll Setback

Mandi, May 28: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Thursday claimed that the Congress party had “abandoned the field” after sensing defeat in the ongoing Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing the media after meeting newly elected representatives from the first phase of Panchayat polls, Jairam Thakur said the strong public support received by BJP-backed candidates reflected growing dissatisfaction with the Congress government in the state.

He alleged that the ruling Congress attempted to influence Panchayat elections by presenting “misleading figures” after local body poll results and by taking populist decisions during the Model Code of Conduct period. Thakur accused the government of convening a cabinet meeting without properly informing the Election Commission and making announcements aimed at attracting voters.

“The public has now understood the reality of the Congress government and its false guarantees. Despite attempts to influence voters through last-minute decisions, people have chosen to support BJP,” he said.

Jairam Thakur further alleged that Congress leaders had relied on “false promises” during previous elections and were now facing public backlash. He claimed that BJP-supported candidates had secured major victories in the first phase of Panchayat elections, which he described as a “semi-final” ahead of future political contests in the state.

The BJP leader also assured newly elected representatives that development work in their respective areas would continue without discrimination and urged them to work honestly for public welfare, especially in disaster-affected regions.