Nahan, April 21
Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday alleged that the state is facing an “economic emergency”and called for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to step down, claiming the administrative system has collapsed.
Addressing a public gathering in Paonta in Sirmaur district, Thakur said the government’s inability to pay salaries on time and the deferment of wages reflect a deep financial crisis. He stated that such a situation indicates that the present government lacks the capacity to manage the state’s economy.
He said it is not morally justified for the chief minister to remain in office under these circumstances and accused the government of neglecting the state’s financial health since assuming power.
Thakur also criticized the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries with cabinet rank, alleging that significant public funds were spent on legal expenses to protect their positions. He further pointed to the increase in monthly honorarium of chairpersons from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh and the appointment of advisors with cabinet rank, calling it an added burden on the state exchequer.
He argued that deferring salaries and financial benefits for employees for months would not meaningfully reduce expenditure and instead reflects an attempt to avoid responsibility. He warned that continuing such measures could lead to a larger financial crisis in the future.
The former chief minister also alleged a breakdown in governance and raised concerns over the law and order situation in the state. He claimed that development activities have come to a halt and accused the government of imposing new taxes on the public.
Thakur further said that the promises made by the Congress ahead of the 2022 assembly elections remain unfulfilled and accused the chief minister of making misleading claims about their implementation.
The state government has not yet responded to the allegations.
