Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, March 25
Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has launched a fresh attack on the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh, using the dress code issue to question what he described as the administration’s priorities and internal discipline.
Speaking after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Thakur said the state government should focus on maintaining discipline among its own leaders before seeking to regulate how others dress.
He alleged that the Congress administration, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was trying to divert attention from more serious issues facing the state, including what he described as a worsening financial crisis.
Thakur said he had raised concerns over Himachal Pradesh’s economic and political situation during his discussion with the Prime Minister, claiming the state’s finances had continued to deteriorate under the present government. He said he had sought support from the Centre on the matter.
Rejecting accusations by the state government that his visit to Delhi was aimed at stalling funds for Himachal Pradesh, the BJP leader said meeting the Prime Minister was a matter of privilege. He added that the Chief Minister could also seek an appointment if he wished.
Thakur also criticised the Congress over what he described as poor leadership conduct, saying a government that talks about dress code should first ensure proper behaviour within its own political ranks.
In his remarks, he questioned Rahul Gandhi’s attire in Parliament and referred to an alleged incident involving Congress workers at a summit in Delhi, claiming there had been inappropriate conduct in front of international delegates.
He further alleged that senior Congress figures, including co-in-charges, had been staying in Shimla as state guests for an extended period, and questioned whether this reflected the right priorities at a time when Himachal Pradesh was facing administrative and financial strain.
The comments are expected to sharpen political tensions in the state, where the BJP and Congress have increasingly clashed over governance, public spending and political conduct.
