Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, November 7
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of misleading the public, saying that any externally aided project requires prior approval from the central government. “The Chief Minister is making claims without understanding the process. Such projects cannot be sanctioned without the Centre’s consent,” Thakur said.
Thakur also took a swipe at the Congress organisation, remarking that while the BJP’s structure is strong from the booth level up, the Congress has been running with just one state president for over a year.
Former Union Minister and MP Anurag Thakur also attacked the Sukhu government, alleging that the state had failed to fully utilise funds provided by the Centre during natural disasters between 2023 and 2025. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced ₹1,500 crore for the state. The Centre has increased its funding ratio for Himachal from 70:30 to 90:10, showing special consideration for the hill state. Under Congress rule, the ratio was often 50:50, reflecting a discriminatory attitude.”
On the JICA health project, Anurag Thakur clarified that 80% of the funding comes from the Union Finance Ministry, and no such external assistance is possible without central approval. He added that the project was cleared after Chief Minister Sukhu had sought support from Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in May.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s claim that there are “five factions” within the BJP, Anurag Thakur quipped that “these are the five Pandavas who will drive the Congress Kauravas out of power.” He also expressed confidence that the NDA will form the next government in Bihar, saying voter enthusiasm is high and records will be broken this time.
Meanwhile, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, the BJP organised special programmes across the country, including collective singing events in all parliamentary constituencies of Himachal Pradesh. In Shimla, a ceremony at the Woodville Palace Hotel was attended by Jai Ram Thakur, Anurag Thakur, and MP Suresh Kashyap.
Both leaders said that Vande Mataram is not just a song but a symbol of India’s soul and national pride. The celebrations, aimed at honouring its role in the freedom movement and promoting national unity, will continue across India for a year.
