Aggressive CM tears into Virbhadra

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 18

Adopting a very aggressive posturing, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday lashed out at his political opponents and said he faced no threat from the Congress as Virbhadra Singh was fully occupied with the “Sukhu Hatao” campaign.

Addressing a press conference here, Thakur, in a sharp contrast to his mild nature, took on all his opponents, including Virbhadra and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader Mukesh Agnihotri, head on. “I respect Virbhadra’s experience and seniority but it is for everyone to see how the state suffered under his rule,” he remarked in response to a query about the former CM referring to him as inexperienced time and again.

He said Virbhadra in his last term announced the opening of new health and educational institutions without any parameters which only resulted in putting an additional burden on the exchequer. “What is interesting is the fact that the Congress failed to derive any political dividends by such reckless opening of institutions,” he said.

He said, “Whenever Virbhadra does not have much to say, all he says is that I am inexperienced. I fail to understand what is the need for him to reiterate his own experience and seniority,” the Chief Minister quipped.

Thakur also lashed out at the CLP leader for using a crude and offensive language against his political opponents. “Living very close to Punjab, he seems to be very influenced by Punjabi culture, which people of Himachal do not appreciate much,” he said.

He said Agnihotri seemed to have no respect for Himachali culture and often made disgraceful and petty remarks against others. “Agnihotri is facing a big threat within his own party as many MLAs are not willing to accept him as the CLP leader,” he said.

In reply to another query on his remaining in the shadow of senior BJP leaders, including former CM and Kangra Lok Sabha MP Shanta Kumar, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and former CM PK Dhumal, the CM said he had a lot of respect for senior leaders. “I believe in respecting and seeking guidance from senior leaders and at the same keep doing my work diligently and sincerely,” he said.

Thakur in a recent interaction had said the reality was that he happened to be the Chief Minister whether somebody liked it or not. Being in the saddle for close to six months, he has been facing criticism for being inexperienced. However, Thakur exhibited firmness and tried to drive home the point that he meant business irrespective of the criticism within or outside the party.

On Virbhadra

Whenever Virbhadra does not have much to say, all he says is that I am inexperienced. I respect his experience but it is for everyone to see how the state suffered under his rule. 

On Agnihotri

Congress Legislature Party leader Mukesh Agnihotri is facing a big threat within his own party as many MLAs are not willing to accept him on this post.