Leader of the Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, has alleged that organised mafia gangs are actively operating within various government departments of the state, purportedly under the patronage of the ruling Congress government, to exploit the state’s natural resources.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Thakur made these assertions while addressing mediapersons in Una on Saturday. He claimed that these organised mafias are openly flouting the provisions of Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. Furthermore, he alleged the presence of such individuals involved in illegal mining operations and the plundering of forest resources.
Thakur also raised questions regarding the Chief Minister’s current stance on the solar power project located in Pekhubela village of Una district, highlighting that corruption allegations have surfaced in relation to this project. He questioned why the Chief Minister was now reportedly evading responsibility or credit for it.
The Leader of the Opposition expressed significant concern over the perceived deterioration of law and order in Himachal Pradesh. He pointed to a series of incidents, including a shooting in Una, an axe attack in Bilaspur, a murder that occurred in broad daylight outside the police control room in Shimla, and the murder of a youth in Chamba. Thakur stated that such grave incidents have not been witnessed in the state previously.
He further highlighted the pervasive issue of the ‘chitta’ menace, describing its destructive impact across the state. According to Thakur, the government appears to be in disarray and is allegedly focusing its efforts on organising events for political optics rather than implementing concrete measures to address the drug problem on the ground.
Thakur accused the Chief Minister of fostering a culture of vendetta, alleging that false cases have been registered against 14 BJP MLAs and former MLAs. He claimed that officials are being unduly pressured to pursue investigations in these matters.
He asserted that all ongoing development projects in Himachal Pradesh are primarily funded by the Central government. He cited the construction of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana as an example of significant central contribution. Additionally, Thakur mentioned that the establishment of the PGI satellite hospital and the bulk drug park in Una are also being financed by the Union Government.
Thakur expressed confidence that the people of Himachal Pradesh have made up their minds to remove the Congress party from power. He alleged that the current four-year tenure of the government has been largely spent on criticising the Central Government, with little focus on state development or governance.
The Chenab Times News Desk