Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, August 4
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has criticised the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to revive the state lottery system, calling it a regressive step that could harm public welfare. Speaking to reporters, Thakur recalled how the lottery scheme had once devastated families in the state, with many falling into debt and even facing mental health crises. “Former Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal had scrapped the lottery for a reason. Families were ruined, people lost homes, and suicides increased. Even Virbhadra Singh’s Congress government chose not to bring it back,” Thakur said.
He claimed that during his own tenure as Chief Minister, he had resisted lobbying efforts to reintroduce the lottery. “We didn’t even entertain proposals on this issue,” he added. Thakur alleged that hidden interests were now behind the current government’s move, accusing the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led administration of striking a deal with Punjab to reintroduce the lottery system.
The BJP, he said, would launch protests on the ground against the decision.
Thakur also targeted the Congress government over its handling of relief distribution following the 2023 natural disaster. He said only the first instalment of the promised ₹7 lakh compensation had reached affected families. “Where is the ₹4,500 crore relief package? People deserve transparency and delivery, not promises,” he said.
He urged the central government to announce targeted relief packages for the worst-hit regions, tailored to specific needs and projects.
When asked about remarks made by Jagat Singh, Thakur responded sharply: “This person lacks a humane perspective. I have nothing further to say about him.”
Thakur added that the BJP would raise both the lottery issue and the pending relief payments during the upcoming monsoon session of the state Assembly.
