Himachal CM Sukhu’s ‘system change’ claim hollow, says LoP Jai Ram Thakur

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Himachal, alleging that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s repeated claims of “system change” have failed to translate into results on the ground.

Addressing mediapersons during his visit to Kangra, Thakur said the state was witnessing growing instances of corruption and administrative lapses, exposing a gap between government claims and reality. He was in the district to attend the wedding of former minister Sarveen Chaudhary’s son in Shahpur.

Referring to the condition of Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, he questioned the government’s promise of world-class healthcare. He alleged that key services, including the cardiology OPD, remained non-functional due to a shortage of specialist doctors, forcing patients — particularly the elderly and critically ill — to return without treatment.

Taking a swipe at spending on medical infrastructure, Thakur said while crores were being invested in facilities such as cath labs, the lack of doctors had rendered these services ineffective, putting both public funds and patient care at risk.

He also referred to the alleged Rs 1.13 crore water supply scam in Theog, where vigilance authorities have reportedly filed a chargesheet against officials and contractors. He claimed that fake bills were generated using registration numbers of scooters and cars instead of water tankers, pointing to large-scale irregularities. He further alleged that contaminated water was supplied to villages, posing a risk to public health.

Thakur said public anger was mounting against the government’s functioning and warned that voters would respond strongly in the upcoming local body and Panchayati Raj elections.