States » NorthPosted at: Nov 4 2026 9:50PM


LoP targets Congress over ‘vote theft’ narrative at BJP march in Himachal's Mandi

Shimla, Nov 4 (UNI) Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading a misleading narrative of ‘vote theft’ and attempting to undermine democratic institutions, asserting that the people would give a befitting democratic response to such politics.
Addressing a public meeting after leading the BJP’s ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padyatra in Mandi, Thakur questioned the Congress leadership’s repeated allegations against the Election Commission and challenged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to resign if he had doubts about the functioning of the constitutional body.
The march, which started from Paddal Ground and culminated at Seri Manch, witnessed participation by a large number of BJP workers and local residents.
Targeting the Congress and its national leadership, Thakur said the party questioned the credibility of the electoral process whenever election results went against it. He alleged that the ‘vote theft’ campaign was aimed at misleading people and creating distrust in constitutional institutions.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country was moving towards development, transparency, good governance and a stronger democracy, he said, adding that India’s progress was being recognised internationally.
Thakur alleged that some opposition leaders were attempting to bring about a change of government through agitation and disorder rather than democratic means.
Referring to Bangladesh, he said India could not be compared with its neighbouring country and that governments in India were formed through constitutional and democratic processes.
“Elections are won by winning the hearts of people, not by creating disorder,” he said, adding that the country was governed by the Constitution and not by the threats of any political family.
Questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Thakur said the exercise was intended to ensure that no ineligible vote was registered and no genuine voter was removed. He alleged that the Congress was uncomfortable with the process because it could identify and remove illegal voters.
He also criticised the Congress leadership for making personal remarks against the Prime Minister, saying such language was unacceptable in public life.
Taking aim at Chief Minister Sukhu, Thakur said it was contradictory for him to participate in a protest against the Election Commission when the same electoral process had enabled him to become the Chief Minister. He said if Sukhu questioned the credibility of the Commission, he should step down from his constitutional post.
The Leader of Opposition also accused the Chief Minister of insensitivity over the death of Rampur MLA Nand Lal.
He alleged that while the Congress legislator's body was at his residence, Sukhu continued with an official programme in Chamba, including participating in a cultural event, instead of cancelling his engagements.
Thakur further alleged that development had come to a standstill in Himachal Pradesh and that the Congress government had failed to fulfil its earlier election guarantees.
He questioned the Chief Minister's announcement regarding the creation of new districts, saying the government should first fulfil its existing commitments.
Blaming the state government's financial management for the deteriorating economic situation, he alleged that despite raising loans on a large scale, the government had failed to ensure adequate development.
Expressing confidence about the BJP's electoral prospects, Thakur claimed that the party would win all 10 Assembly seats in Mandi district and return to power in Himachal Pradesh with a decisive majority.
He also termed the Chief Minister's announcement regarding the induction of Kullu MLA Sunder Thakur into the Cabinet another unfulfilled promise and alleged that the Congress was facing electoral setbacks across the country.
UNI BN
Tags: #LoP targets Congress over ‘vote theft’ narrative at BJP march in Himachal's Mandi
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