Former Minister Govind Singh Thakur Slams Himachal Government Over Delay in Constituting Local Bodies.
Shimla:
Former Himachal Pradesh minister and senior BJP leader Govind Singh Thakur has strongly criticized the Congress-led state government over the continued delay in the constitution of Presidents and Vice-Presidents of Urban Local Bodies, Zila Parishads, and Panchayat Samitis, accusing it of undermining democratic values and disregarding the people’s mandate.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the former Manali MLA said that democracy cannot function merely by conducting elections, but by ensuring that the representatives elected by the people are granted their constitutional rights and responsibilities without unnecessary delay.
Thakur alleged that the prolonged delay in the formation of leadership in local self-government institutions raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles. He said that withholding powers and responsibilities from elected representatives goes against the very spirit of democracy and weakens the mandate given by the people.
Targeting the ruling Congress government, the BJP leader said the delay has deprived elected representatives of their legitimate role in governance, thereby affecting the functioning of local institutions and slowing developmental activities at the grassroots level.
Referring to a protest held in Kullu, Thakur said BJP leaders and workers staged a demonstration and submitted their concerns before the Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate constitution of the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of Municipal Bodies, Zila Parishads, and Panchayat Samitis. He said the protest was organized to safeguard democratic values and ensure respect for the public mandate.
Urging the state government to act without further delay, Thakur called upon the Congress administration to uphold democratic traditions and complete the constitution of leadership in all local bodies at the earliest. He asserted that elected representatives should be allowed to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people.
The BJP has been consistently raising the issue across Himachal Pradesh, accusing the Congress government of delaying the democratic process despite the successful conduct of local body elections. The party maintains that the timely formation of local governing bodies is essential for effective administration and development at the grassroots level.
