Shimla, June 4
Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rejecting its claim that the recently concluded Panchayati Raj elections were a “semi-final” ahead of the Assembly elections.
Negi stated that the Panchayat elections were not contested on party symbols, making it misleading to portray the results as a political mandate for the Assembly polls. He accused the BJP of diverting public attention from key issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the weakening of the MGNREGA scheme.
The minister claimed that Congress-backed candidates had won in nearly 2,400 out of 3,754 panchayats across Himachal Pradesh. He further argued that the real strength in Panchayati Raj institutions lies with ward members rather than the pradhan alone.
Targeting former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Negi alleged that attempts were made to destabilize the elected state government through money power. He said BJP leaders should focus on accountability instead of demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Negi also criticized the BJP-led central government over inflation, rising LPG cylinder prices, and delays in MGNREGA funds. He claimed that the Center has weakened employment guarantees and increased financial pressure on common citizens.
On the issue of the alleged “Khalsa Tax” being collected from Himachal vehicles in Punjab, Negi said that while states have the right to impose lawful taxes, any illegal collection or harassment outside the legal framework is unacceptable. He added that the Himachal Pradesh government has already taken up the matter with the Punjab government.
