Shimla, Feb 3 (PTI): Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, has accused the state government of sidelining BJP legislators while favoring Congress MLAs close to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Addressing the media on Monday, Thakur stated that BJP legislators are being ignored and disrespected, prompting their decision to boycott the government's meetings on developmental priorities.
A day after announcing the boycott, Thakur claimed that even some Congress MLAs have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that their priorities have also been neglected. "For the past two years, BJP legislators have attended these meetings, but in most cases, even the process of preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) has not begun," he said. Furthermore, he alleged that when DPRs are prepared, they are not forwarded for execution.
Thakur also criticized the state government for allegedly misusing central funds meant for infrastructure development. "Instead of utilizing the funds for developmental projects, the government is using them to pay salaries and pensions, which is against the rules," he asserted.
Accusing district authorities of favoritism, he alleged that only Congress leaders close to the chief minister are being heard, while BJP MLAs face financial restrictions. He pointed out that while Rs 3 lakh was sanctioned from the Vidhayak Nidhi, only Rs 10,000 is being released. "When our priorities are not considered, attending these meetings is pointless," he remarked, adding that BJP MLAs would raise their concerns during the upcoming Vidhan Sabha budget session.
Citing an example from his own constituency, Seraj, Thakur stated that during his tenure as chief minister, Rs 10 crore was sanctioned for a horticulture and forestry college. The land was acquired, forest clearances were obtained, and the tendering process had started. However, he alleged that the Sukhu government has halted the tender process and withdrawn the allocated funds.
On Sunday, Thakur further criticized the government, stating that "meetings hold no relevance when the developmental works suggested by MLAs remain incomplete." He also accused the government of "harassing and victimizing BJP MLAs and their families by filing cases against them while prioritizing defeated Congress leaders."
The MLA priorities meetings, a tradition spanning over three decades, were scheduled for February 3 and 4. This marks the first instance of the main opposition party boycotting the meetings.
Thakur also condemned the alleged misuse of police by the state government, calling it "unprecedented in Himachal’s history." He warned officials against such actions, stating that "power is not permanent, and those misusing it should respect the law."
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