New Delhi: Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday for a courtesy visit. During the meeting, Thakur congratulated the Prime Minister for his “historic and inspiring” record in public service and lauded his leadership, while also discussing key issues concerning Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Thakur launched a sharp attack on the state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, expressing serious concern over the state’s financial condition. He described the situation as a “financial emergency,” alleging that the government’s decisions are pushing the state deeper into economic distress.
Citing recent measures, Thakur said the Chief Minister has deferred 50% of his salary for six months, while salaries of top officials—including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police—have also been reduced or deferred by 50%. Ministers, IAS officers, and MLAs are facing similar cuts ranging from 20% to 30%. According to him, such steps indicate a severely strained economy.
He further criticized the government for imposing a cess on petrol and diesel in the name of welfare for orphans and widows, calling it an administrative failure. Additionally, he objected to the steep hike in entry tax for vehicles entering the state, warning that retaliatory measures by neighboring states like Punjab could hurt Himachal’s tourism-driven economy.
Thakur emphasized that such “impractical decisions” could burden the public and damage the state’s key industries. However, he added that the opposition remains open to constructive dialogue and will support meaningful steps aimed at resolving the crisis, provided the government avoids anti-people policies and focuses on real reforms.