Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has strongly criticized the Indian National Congress over reports of charging ₹5,000 from leaders applying for tickets in upcoming local body elections.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said that the Congress plans to collect ₹5,000 from every applicant, regardless of whether they receive a ticket, and the amount will not be refunded. He questioned whether the collected money is meant to strengthen the state’s economy or benefit the party and its leadership.
He termed the move unprecedented, stating that such a practice of charging workers at the local level for ticket applications has not been seen before in the state. Referring to previous elections, he said the Himachal Pradesh Congress had earlier imposed a ₹10,000 fee for Lok Sabha tickets, but at that time, people were reportedly more inclined to request not to be given tickets.
Thakur emphasized that applying for a ticket is the right of every party worker, and charging money for it is unjustified. He called it “absurd” to levy a fee for exercising democratic rights.
He further stated that globally, democratic parties select candidates based on popularity, commitment, and winnability, and support them in elections. However, he alleged that the current state government is collecting money even for submitting ticket applications.
Targeting the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur claimed that people in the state are frustrated with what he described as anti-people policies, rising lawlessness, and deteriorating governance. He said the public is prepared to teach Congress a lesson in the upcoming local and municipal elections.
He also accused the government of failing to deliver on promises made to women and alleged that women voters are ready to respond to what he termed “false guarantees.”
Criticism of Health System
Shifting focus, Thakur criticized the state’s healthcare system, calling it “ailing and mismanaged.” He said thousands of people across the state face difficulties in accessing treatment daily, while the government claims to provide world-class healthcare.
He pointed out shortages of doctors, medicines, pathologists, and radiologists in hospitals, which are affecting the overall system. He added that while the Chief Minister talks about advanced procedures like robotic surgery, even basic infrastructure such as operation theatre doors remains in poor condition.
Thakur alleged that despite continuous funding under central government-sponsored schemes, the state government has failed to utilize resources effectively. He urged the Chief Minister to focus on improving essential healthcare services rather than making “big and misleading claims.”
