LoP Jairam Thakur Criticises Himachal Govt, Alleges ‘Circle of Friends’ Running State

March 9, 2026

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur stated at a press conference in Shimla that the state government is being run through a “circle of friends” rather than a cabinet. He said that government decisions are being made among a limited number of people, raising serious questions about the administrative system and transparency.

Jairam Thakur said that despite the Congress party having an absolute majority in the state, an atmosphere of instability and fear persists within the government. He said that the infighting within the Congress party over the Rajya Sabha elections has exposed the confusion and discontent within the party.

The Leader of the Opposition said that the BJP, on principle, did not field its own candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, paving the way for the Congress. Despite this, several senior Congress leaders went to Delhi to seek tickets, and reports emerged of several leaders receiving assurances at the Chief Minister’s level.

He said that the last-minute name change had caused discontent within the Congress party, as evidenced by the public reaction of senior leader Anand Sharma. He took a jab at the Chief Minister, saying that Sukhu had eliminated his political mentor, Anand Sharma.

Rajya Sabha candidate got government contracts worth crores: Jairam

Jairam Thakur alleged that the person whom the Congress party presented as a simple worker and gave a Rajya Sabha ticket to, listed assets worth over 230 crore rupees in his affidavit and received contracts worth several crores of rupees during the government’s tenure. He said this raises questions about the Congress’s political priorities.

Permission was given to cut 25 trees, but more than 300 were cut: BJP

Jairam Thakur, referring to the illegal tree felling case in the Shillai area of ​​Sirmaur district, said that where permission was granted for 25 trees, allegations have emerged that more than 300 trees were felled. He alleged that political patronage is being given in this case and a fair investigation is not being conducted. He said that while the government will not investigate, it will be investigated after a year and a half when there is a change of power.

He also cited another case involving forest logging in Mandi district and alleged financial irregularities in a project, demanding that the government ensure transparency. Jairam Thakur said the BJP would continue to raise issues related to protecting the state’s resources and interests.

There are changes in the CM’s program, but the public is not informed: Jairam

The Leader of Opposition also raised questions on the working of Chief Minister Sukhu’s official tours and said that many times, even after the programme is released, there is a change in the tour and the administration or the public is not clearly informed about it.

He said that during the BJP government’s tenure, significant development work was carried out in the state. According to him, projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were approved during that period, and numerous schemes related to roads, health, and social security were launched.