Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, March 9
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has accused the state government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of corruption, misleading allies and failing to deliver development in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, the leader of the opposition said the ruling Indian National Congress appeared “fearful” despite having a full majority in the state assembly.
He alleged that the chief minister had misled several political associates during the recent Rajya Sabha elections by promising party nominations to multiple leaders. He also referred to comments by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, who recently expressed disappointment publicly, saying speaking the truth had come at a personal cost.
The former chief minister further claimed that people who had supported Sukhu’s rise in politics — even at the cost of disagreements with late Congress leader Virbhadra Singh — were now being sidelined. Thakur also alleged large-scale illegal tree felling in parts of the state, including in the Shillai area, claiming that more than 300 trees had been cut despite permission for only 25.
He said similar allegations had emerged in Mandi and accused the state government of failing to act against illegal deforestation. The opposition leader questioned the progress of the Pekhuvala power project and alleged that industries were leaving the state due to what he described as a “climate of fear”.
Thakur also criticised the government over a recent child assault case in Bilaspur, calling for strict action against the accused. He said the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party would raise these issues during the upcoming budget session of the assembly.
The state government has not yet responded to the allegations.
