The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a significant show of strength in Dharamshala on Thursday, holding a massive rally at the Zorawar Stadium to mark three years of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh with severe criticism. The event saw thousands of party supporters gather to voice their discontent, framing the current administration's tenure as one marred by corruption, administrative breakdown, and failed promises.
Leaders Condemn 'Scheme-Less' Governance and Insensitive Celebrations
Senior BJP leaders launched a coordinated attack on the ruling dispensation. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, in his address, asserted that even after three years in power, the Congress government could not name a single new scheme launched by itself. He claimed that Congress MLAs were unable to recall any such initiatives because none existed, while schemes initiated by the previous BJP government had been shut down.
Thakur directed sharp criticism at the government's reported plan to hold an event in Mandi on December 11 to celebrate its three-year anniversary. He labeled this decision as deeply insensitive, given that Mandi was severely affected by monsoon disasters. "It's a shame that the govt has chosen the very place where dozens of people are still buried under debris," Thakur alleged, further claiming that funds meant for disaster relief were being diverted for celebrations.
Accusations of False Promises and Administrative Collapse
BJP state president Rajeev Bindal described the rally as an outburst of public anger against what he called Congress's failed governance. He accused the government, which came to power promising a "system change," of having collapsed the state's entire administrative system instead.
Echoing this sentiment, BJP state in-charge Shrikant Sharma accused the government of being dishonest and built on deceit. He highlighted the unfulfilled election guarantees, specifically pointing to the promised Rs 1,500 monthly stipend for women and the creation of lakhs of jobs for the youth. Bindal concluded that this government, formed on false promises, must be shown the door in the next election.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur used even stronger rhetoric, terming the Congress government an "Eat-Drink-Enjoy govt." He contrasted it with a development-oriented administration, calling it one of luxury, corruption, and enjoyment. Thakur added that pensioners and employees were being mocked and forced to agitate for their dues, while districts like Sirmaur were being denied basic facilities.
Call for Change and Public Uprising
BJP leader Sanjay Tandon framed the rally as a public uprising. He stated that not a single Congress guarantee had been fulfilled in three years, leaving the public feeling completely deceived. According to Tandon, unemployment, inflation, corruption, and administrative chaos have become the hallmarks of Himachal under Congress rule. He declared that the countdown for the fall of the government had begun and its departure from power was now inevitable.
The rally featured a host of prominent BJP figures from the state, including state in-charge Shrikant Sharma, co-incharge Sanjay Tandon, former state president Suresh Kashyap, MPs Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, Indu Goswami, and Sikandar Kumar, and former Speaker Vipin Parmar. Their collective message positioned the event as a major political challenge to the Congress government, setting the stage for intensified opposition in the lead-up to the next state elections.
