Jai Ram Thakur Accuses Himachal Government of Undermining Public Mandate Over Local Body Elections

Leader of the Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday accused the Congress-led state government of attempting to weaken democratic institutions by delaying local body elections and allegedly obstructing elected representatives from assuming office.

Speaking at a press conference in Shimla following the BJP’s victory in securing the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the Mandi Municipal Corporation, Thakur claimed that the government made repeated efforts to postpone the Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections.

According to Thakur, the situation escalated after the election results failed to favour the ruling Congress party. He alleged that attempts were made to prevent newly elected representatives from taking the oath of office.

“The public has given its mandate, and any effort to delay or obstruct the democratic process raises serious concerns,” Thakur said during the media interaction.

The BJP leader further alleged that pressure was exerted on elected councillors to change their political allegiance. However, he maintained that BJP-supported councillors remained united, which ultimately helped the party retain its strength.

Thakur also accused Congress councillors in the municipal corporations of Dharamsala and Solan of walking out during proceedings, thereby affecting the required quorum. In contrast, he said BJP representatives ensured full attendance in Mandi, paving the way for the party’s victory in both key civic posts.

Raising concerns over the election process, Thakur alleged that authorities initially issued an incomplete nomination form that lacked a mandatory column for the proposer. He claimed that the discrepancy was corrected only after BJP leaders objected and presented nomination formats used in other municipal corporations.

Calling the Mandi Municipal Corporation result a reflection of growing public confidence in the BJP, Thakur credited party workers, local leadership, and supporters for the electoral success.

The Congress government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition.

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