Himachal Local Body Poll Results Show Growing Public Discontent with State Government, Says Jairam Thakur

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Thursday asserted that the recent Panchayat and Urban Local Body election results highlight a growing sense of public dissatisfaction with the state government headed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Speaking at a victory gathering held at the historic Seri Manch in Mandi, Thakur said the outcome of the local body elections demonstrated that people were increasingly losing confidence in the Congress-led administration. The event was organised after BJP-supported candidates secured unopposed victories for the posts of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Mandi Zila Parishad.

According to Thakur, the election results reflect widespread frustration among citizens over what he described as the government’s anti-public policies. He claimed that the local body poll outcome could serve as a strong political foundation for the BJP ahead of the next Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh.

The BJP leader also launched a sharp criticism of the state government, alleging attempts to influence the functioning of local governance institutions. He accused the administration of altering rules at short notice and exerting administrative and political pressure on newly elected representatives to gain control over key local body positions.

Thakur stated that the BJP, along with the people of the state, would oppose any move that, in its view, weakens democratic values or interferes with the independence of elected representatives.

Addressing disaster management concerns, the Leader of Opposition alleged that Mandi district, which was severely affected during last year’s natural calamities, did not receive sufficient support from the government. He claimed that disaster relief funds allocated to the district were withdrawn, affecting rehabilitation efforts and assistance for families impacted by the disaster.

Earlier in the day, Jairam Thakur participated in a meeting of newly elected Zila Parishad members. During the meeting, Amru Ram from Khilda Ward and Bodi Devi from Thachi Ward were unanimously elected as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively. Thakur congratulated the newly elected representatives and expressed hope for their successful tenure.

Several BJP legislators and senior party leaders were also present at the event.

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