Shimla, November 9
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has attacked the Sukhu government over its reported order restricting protests by teachers during the Assembly session, alleging double standards and hypocrisy on the part of the state government.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur said that when the Chief Minister and his entire cabinet stage protests and roadshows against constitutional authorities, it is described as the “beauty of democracy.” He alleged that the Congress leadership remained silent when Election Commission property was allegedly vandalized and derogatory remarks were made against the poll body. He further claimed that threats issued by party workers against the Election Commission were tolerated by the government.
“However, when teachers seek to raise their long-pending demands, the government hurriedly issues orders prohibiting demonstrations,” Thakur said. He questioned how protests against a constitutional institution such as the Election Commission could be hailed as democratic while teachers demanding their legitimate rights are denied the same freedom.
The Leader of Opposition said that the Sukhu government’s “double standards” would no longer be accepted by the people of the state. He alleged that Congress came to power on the basis of “false guarantees and promises” and warned that every section of society would eventually turn against the government if those commitments remained unfulfilled.
Thakur further stated that the government’s fear of public dissatisfaction was evident from its attempts to suppress protests. “The Chief Minister should remember that authoritarian measures will not work. The government must fulfill its promises and provide people with their rightful dues instead of preventing them from raising their voices,” he said.
Thakur also expressed deep sorrow over the murder of a husband and wife in Dhaboli, Una district. Describing the incident as extremely unfortunate and heartbreaking, Thakur said the circumstances surrounding the crime were equally disturbing. He remarked that there should be no place for such incidents in Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh. Praying for peace to the departed souls, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and courage for them to bear the irreparable loss. He also demanded the strictest possible action against those involved in the crime and called for stronger measures to maintain law and order in the state.
