Government Silent on Illegal Tree Felling and Financial Irregularities: Jai Ram Thakur

Action Will Follow Once It Loses Power

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is functioning amid an atmosphere of instability and fear despite enjoying a clear majority in the Assembly. Addressing a press conference, Thakur said the internal turmoil and uncertainty within the Congress party clearly indicate a deep crisis of trust within the government.

He stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party had taken a principled decision not to field a candidate for the Rajya Sabha election this time, which naturally gave the Congress party a significant opportunity. However, despite this advantage, the confusion and internal contest witnessed within the Congress over the Rajya Sabha seat was unfortunate and exposed the party’s internal contradictions.

Thakur said several senior Congress leaders had travelled to Delhi to present their claims for the Rajya Sabha seat, while many others were repeatedly assured by the Chief Minister that their names were under consideration. However, it ultimately became clear that the Chief Minister had misled even his own colleagues and close associates.

He said that some leaders had even completed the formalities required for filing nomination papers, including obtaining the necessary clearances, as they were told that they would receive the party ticket. However, the situation changed at the last moment, leading to resentment within the Congress party.

Referring to senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, Thakur said that Sharma’s public expression of anguish reflects the lack of respect and communication within the party. Sharma had himself stated that he had always pursued politics with self-respect and was now paying the price for speaking the truth.

The Leader of the Opposition alleged that the Himachal Pradesh government is currently being run not by the Cabinet but by what he termed a “circle of friends”. He said key decisions are not taken in formal Cabinet meetings but within a limited group of close associates who decide who will benefit and who will be sidelined. According to him, state policies and resources are increasingly being influenced by this inner circle.

Thakur also raised questions regarding the Rajya Sabha nominee of the Congress, who was described as an ordinary party worker. He said that according to the affidavit submitted during the nomination process, the candidate possesses assets worth over ₹230 crore, besides holding contracts worth several crores under the present government. He said even Congress leaders themselves are questioning the definition of an “ordinary worker” if such enormous wealth is involved.

He also questioned the functioning of the Chief Minister’s office, stating that there have been instances where official tour programmes of the Chief Minister were issued but subsequently the Chief Minister travelled elsewhere without proper information being communicated to the administration or the public. Thakur said such conduct raises serious concerns as the Chief Minister holds the highest constitutional office in the state.

Criticising the Congress government’s repeated allegations against the previous BJP regime, Thakur said that during the BJP government’s five-year tenure, unprecedented development works were carried out in Himachal Pradesh. He said development projects worth over ₹7,000 crore were implemented and nearly 4,700 kilometres of roads were constructed during that period.

He further stated that the BJP government introduced the Himcare scheme to provide healthcare security to poor families, the Sahara scheme to assist patients suffering from serious illnesses, and the Chief Minister Swavalamban Yojana to support youth in becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs. In addition, under the Jal Jeevan Mission, clean drinking water was provided to households across the state.

Thakur said the BJP government strengthened social security pensions for the elderly, organised Jan Manch programmes to directly address public grievances, and ensured that every rupee received from the Centre was utilised for public welfare. In contrast, he alleged that development activities have come to a standstill under the present government, with road projects halted, drinking water schemes stalled, and the government merely inaugurating projects initiated during the previous BJP regime.

The Leader of the Opposition further alleged that several cases of corruption and political patronage have surfaced during the tenure of the Congress government. Referring to the illegal felling of trees in the Shillai area of Sirmaur district, he said permission had been granted for cutting only 25 trees, yet more than 300 trees were reportedly felled.

He alleged that political protection is being extended in the matter and that attempts are being made to dilute the investigation. According to him, rules permit only limited tree felling even on private land, but in this case there has been a blatant violation of the law.

Thakur said if the government has the moral courage, it should take strict action against those responsible.

He also referred to another case of alleged large-scale tree felling in Mandi district, where it was claimed that timber equivalent to thousands of truckloads had been cut. When the matter came to light, he alleged that attempts were made to destroy evidence. He said the matter is currently sub judice, but it represents a glaring example of corruption.

The BJP leader also raised concerns over financial irregularities in another project in the state where alleged discrepancies of around ₹120 crore have surfaced. He said similar projects of comparable capacity are built in other states at much lower costs, whereas in Himachal Pradesh unusually high expenditure is being reported.

Thakur said that for the past three years the Congress government has been indulging only in allegations against the previous regime. If the government has concrete evidence against former BJP ministers, it should take action, he said, adding that making repeated accusations after three years only reflects political frustration.

He concluded by saying that the people of Himachal Pradesh are closely observing the situation and understand that the Congress government is more focused on protecting its inner circle than on development. Thakur said the BJP will continue to raise its voice to protect the interests and resources of the state and that the people will give their verdict at the appropriate time.