Himachal Pradesh News
Jai Ram Thakur Alleges Himachal Government Is ‘Putting State on Sale’, Targets Land and Tourism Policies
Political tensions in Himachal Pradesh intensified on Tuesday after Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur accused the Congress-led state government of compromising public interests by leasing valuable assets and transferring prime land to private entities.
Political tensions in Himachal Pradesh intensified on Tuesday after Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur accused the Congress-led state government of compromising public interests by leasing valuable assets and transferring prime land to private entities.
In a strongly worded statement, Thakur alleged that the Sukhu government was effectively “putting Himachal on sale” through a series of decisions involving government-owned land and tourism properties. According to him, several recent policy moves have sparked concerns about transparency and the long-term interests of the state.
One of the key issues highlighted by the BJP leader was the reported transfer of land belonging to the Palampur Agriculture University. Thakur claimed that valuable university land was being handed over under the banner of tourism development despite the matter currently being under consideration before the Supreme Court.
The former Chief Minister also raised objections to the proposed Him Chandigarh project, alleging that land located in the strategically important Baddi-Nalagarh industrial region was being offered to private bidders. He questioned whether such decisions were being taken with adequate safeguards to protect public assets.
Thakur further criticized the state government over its reported efforts to amend or weaken Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972. The provision plays a crucial role in regulating land ownership by non-agriculturists and has long been considered a safeguard against uncontrolled land acquisition in the hill state.
The Opposition leader also targeted the government’s decision to lease out 18 properties owned by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Referring specifically to the iconic Wildflower Hall property, Thakur alleged that the tender conditions had been structured in a manner that could benefit a particular company.
Questioning the government’s changing position on the operation of the heritage property, he called for greater transparency in the decision-making process. He argued that tourism assets developed with public resources should remain accountable to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
The Congress government has not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations. However, the controversy is expected to intensify political debate in the state, particularly over issues related to land ownership, tourism development, and the management of public assets.
As discussions continue, the matter is likely to remain a key political flashpoint in Himachal Pradesh, with both the ruling party and the Opposition expected to defend their positions in the coming weeks.
