Opposition to seek answers on PPP model for public assets, rising taxes and financial burden on common people
Shimla: 13,11,2026
Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has said that the Winter Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, scheduled to be held in Dharamshala from November 16 to 21, will be the last winter session of the present Congress government.
He said the BJP has made comprehensive preparations for the session, with party MLAs ready with questions and notices on various issues to corner the government. The people of Himachal Pradesh are disappointed with the government’s performance over the past four years, he said, alleging that the state is facing an economic and administrative crisis, while the law and order situation has also become a matter of concern.
Targeting the government over the growing drug menace, Thakur said the drug trade and consumption were increasing in the state, but the Chief Minister was focusing on political walkathons instead of taking concrete measures to tackle the problem. Commenting on Anil Sharma welcoming the Chief Minister during the Mandi walkathon, he said that fighting the serious challenge of drug abuse required practical action and collective efforts from all sections of society.
BJP to Question Government on PPP Model
Thakur demanded that the state government make public the model, terms and conditions under which government properties are proposed to be handed over under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
He questioned what procedure was being followed, what formalities had been laid down and why the government was not making these details public. The BJP, he said, would seek a clear response from the government on the issue during the Assembly’s Winter Session.
Common People Burdened with Higher Taxes and Levies
The Leader of the Opposition also criticised the government over the increase in stamp paper prices from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000. He alleged that the government was imposing various cess, taxes and additional financial burdens on ordinary citizens, making life increasingly difficult for poor and middle-class families.
He said rates had been increased in almost every sector, including water and electricity, further adding to the difficulties of people already struggling with rising costs. While the government frequently cites the state’s financial crisis, its policies have failed to improve the economic situation, he alleged.
Thakur urged the government to avoid decisions that directly affect the financial interests of poor and middle-class families.
Questions Government’s Plans for Four-Year Celebrations
Reacting to the Congress government’s preparations to celebrate four years in office, Thakur took a swipe at the ruling party, saying that the political atmosphere was already beginning to reflect the approach of the next Assembly elections. He suggested that the government should refrain from celebrating when its tenure was nearing its end.
BJP Confident of Winning All 10 Seats in Mandi
Commenting on the political situation in Mandi district, Thakur claimed that the Chief Minister’s attempts to complicate political issues would not yield any results. He expressed confidence that the BJP would win all 10 Assembly seats in Mandi in the next elections.
He asserted that BJP leaders were under no pressure and were fully confident of the party’s prospects. Referring to the results of the Panchayati Raj elections, he said the Congress government would face a poor political outcome and that its departure from power was approaching.
Sunder Thakur Should Be ‘Extremely Upset’, Says Jairam
On a question regarding Kullu Congress MLA Sunder Thakur not being inducted into the state Cabinet, the former Chief Minister remarked that he should not merely be upset but “extremely upset”.
He alleged that Sunder Thakur had been ignored for the past one-and-a-half years, describing it as an insult to the sentiments and self-respect of the people of Kullu. Asked whether some leaders were in touch with him, Thakur smiled and remarked that many people were in contact.
No Political Comment on Ram Pur By-election
Regarding the proposed by-election to the Rampur Assembly seat, which fell vacant following the death of sitting MLA Nand Lal, Thakur said the family was still mourning the loss and it would not be appropriate to make political comments at this stage.
He added that the Election Commission would decide the election schedule, while the party president would make the final announcement regarding the BJP’s future course of action.
