Shimla: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said the Opposition will play a constructive role during the Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly and extend cooperation on matters of public interest, provided the government responds positively.
Speaking to the media after the all-party meeting ahead of the session, Thakur said the Opposition would continue to raise issues concerning the people both inside and outside the House. “If the government takes our concerns seriously, we will cooperate. But any attempt to suppress the voice of democracy will receive a strong response,” he said.
Thakur alleged that the government had been pursuing a policy of “political vendetta” by registering cases against public representatives. He said genuine cases should be investigated, but the Opposition would not allow such action to be used to silence its voice.
He also criticized the government over what he described as a lack of focus on development and alleged that opposition members were often told that information was “being collected” when they raised questions in the Assembly. He urged the Speaker to ensure that members receive the information sought by them within the stipulated framework.
On Zero Hour, Thakur said members should receive timely responses to issues raised in the House. He added that the Opposition would listen to the government if its approach remained responsible and cooperative, but would not compromise on issues concerning public interest and democratic accountability.
