BJP Criticizes Congress Government in Himachal, Plans Protests

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh has launched a strong critique of the Congress government, predicting a significant downfall in the upcoming assembly elections. During a joint press conference on November 29, 2023, the Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, expressed confidence that the Congress party would secure only five seats in the next election, scheduled for 2027.

Jai Ram Thakur’s comments drew a vivid analogy to the Congress’s diminishing stature, stating, “In Bihar, the Congress has been reduced to fitting inside a Bolero, but in Himachal, we will fit them inside an Alto — which the chief minister prefers.” His remarks were made alongside Rajeev Bindal, the state president of the BJP, who echoed the sentiments regarding the Congress’s declining influence.

Thakur emphasized the message sent by voters in Bihar, claiming it reflects a broader sentiment that will resonate in Himachal Pradesh. He stated that the Congress “will be nowhere to be seen” in the upcoming elections, asserting that their previous victory was based on “false guarantees.” He criticized the Congress party’s three-year anniversary celebrations as “unjustified and unacceptable,” pointing out that critical issues such as unpaid salaries and pensions for employees, as well as rising youth unemployment, have plagued the state.

Thakur further highlighted the failure of the Congress government to initiate new welfare programs, accusing them of discontinuing successful schemes from the previous BJP administration. He announced that the BJP plans to protest on December 4, 2023, against what he described as the government’s “anti-people decisions” during the upcoming winter assembly session in Dharamshala.

Rajeev Bindal also condemned the current government, labeling it as “the most inefficient government in the history of Himachal.” He pointed to several issues, including economic downturns, rising crime rates, and widespread nepotism, asserting that the Congress party has lost its moral right to govern.

In response to the BJP’s criticisms, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the government’s actions. He clarified that the anniversary celebration was intended to benefit families affected by recent disasters, emphasizing the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and relief efforts. Sukhu stated, “This programme is being organised for the disaster victims, and more assistance will be provided to them.”

As the BJP prepares for its protest against the Congress-led government, the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh appears increasingly contentious. The performance of both parties will be under close scrutiny as the state approaches the next assembly elections.