Jai Ram lauds PM Modi for ‘unprecedented development’

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11-year tenure as one of unprecedented development, economic stability and national pride.

Thakur, while speaking at events organised on the occasion of Modi’s 75th birthday in Mandi and Sundernagar, highlighted the Prime Minister’s achievements ranging from elevating India to the world’s 4th largest economy, boosting infrastructure in Himalayan states and delivering transformational welfare schemes. He called Modi’s tenure as a period of “record-breaking growth” and “visionary leadership”.

Thakur also participated in a yajna organised for the Prime Minister’s long life and the protection of Himachal Pradesh from natural disasters. He also inaugurated a blood donation camp and a photo exhibition on Modi’s life.

However, the former Chief Minister did not shy away from criticising the state government’s handling of disaster relief. He questioned the state government where Rs 5,500 crore received from the Central Government for disaster management since 2023 had gone, as damaged roads and infrastructure had not been restored. “The Central Government has done more for Himachal than ever before and provided Rs 1,500 crore in immediate assistance, advance funds from the NDRF and the SDRF but the ground situation remains unchanged,” he added.

Thakur demanded transparency in fund utilisation, especially area-specific budgets meant for severely affected regions like Seraj, Dharampur, Chamba and Kullu. He cited recent devastation in Dharampur and said that funds must directly benefit victims and should not be diverted for other purposes. He urged the state government to stop politicising disaster management and focus on efficient and accountable delivery of relief to those who need it the most.