Congress’ Exit Is Essential for Himachal’s Welfare: Anurag Singh Thakur

Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur felicitated newly elected BJP-supported representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies at a public representatives’ felicitation ceremony held in Theog. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, MP Suresh Kashyap and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Anurag Singh Thakur said the recently concluded Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections had sent a clear political message in the state. He maintained that the results reflected public dissatisfaction with the policies and functioning of the Congress government and support for BJP-backed candidates. Alleging that the Congress had failed to manage its organisation, government and the state’s affairs effectively, he said the welfare of Himachal Pradesh lay in bringing an end to the Congress government.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots democracy, Thakur said Panchayati Raj institutions were the foundation of Indian democracy, bringing governance directly to the people. Panchayats play a crucial role in village roads, drinking water, sanitation, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth opportunities and local development. He said the felicitation was not merely recognition of electoral victories but also an acknowledgement of public trust and a commitment to public service. He urged elected representatives to rise above partisan considerations and work for the development of every village and family.

Thakur said strong Panchayats were essential for building strong villages and a strong Himachal Pradesh. The Narendra Modi-led central government had taken several steps to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions, improve rural infrastructure and accelerate grassroots development. Digital technology, transparency and public participation had also given a new direction to the functioning of Panchayats.

He called upon the newly elected representatives to identify local priorities and prepare clear development roadmaps for their respective areas. Panchayat buildings, he said, should serve not merely as venues for meetings but as centres for planning the future of villages. Representatives must act as an effective bridge between the public and the administration, ensuring transparency, accountability and greater public participation.

Emphasising their responsibility towards beneficiaries, Thakur said elected representatives must ensure that the benefits of the Modi government’s welfare schemes reach only eligible people and that no deserving beneficiary is left out. He also urged them to strengthen the organisation and ensure that public welfare initiatives reached the last person in society.

Targeting the Congress government, Thakur alleged that the pace of development had slowed during its tenure and that Himachal Pradesh was facing financial difficulties. He said the Panchayati Raj and urban local body election results reflected public sentiment towards the state government and stressed that elected representatives must fulfil their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication.

Concluding his address, Thakur congratulated all newly elected representatives and expressed confidence that they would place public service at the forefront of their work and make a meaningful contribution to the comprehensive development of their respective areas.