Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Dharamshala, December 3
Leader of the Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, accusing it of attempting to “sell the state’s interests” through amendments to Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. Speaking to reporters during the Assembly session in Dharamshala, Thakur alleged that the government had been pursuing a policy of “Himachal on sale” from its first day in office.
He claimed that individuals close to the government had been lobbying for relaxations under Section 118 and that the proposed amendment was designed to facilitate the sale of land to non-residents. “The government is working to create a system that enables the purchase of land in Himachal. This is against the state’s interests,” Thakur said.
Thakur also criticised the government over its employment promises, saying it had failed to deliver on assurances of creating five lakh jobs. He alleged that the government had not provided clear data on recruitment or conducted adequate examinations. “This government has not given a single job. It is misleading the Assembly every time,” he said.
On the BJP’s planned ‘Aakrosh Rally’, Thakur said the party had been granted permission to hold the event at Zorawar Stadium and warned that any attempt by the government to obstruct it would prompt the party to protest inside the Assembly as well. “Every section of society is frustrated with this government,” he said. Thakur also condemned the police use of force on students protesting over their demands, calling it “undemocratic and shameful”. He said peaceful protest was a democratic right and accused the government of adopting a “dictatorial approach”.
He further criticised the alleged use of force on persons with disabilities during a rally in Shimla on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, saying the government had failed in its responsibility to protect their rights and dignity. Later in the day, BJP legislators staged a walkout during the discussion on the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Himachal Pradesh Amendment Bill, 2025. Thakur said the Bill sought to remove the role of the Himachal High Court Chief Justice in the appointment of the RERA chief, calling it a violation of constitutional principles and Supreme Court directives. He said the amendment undermined judicial oversight and exceeded the powers of the state government.
