BANJAR (KULLU): Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu took aim at the BJP while rallying support for Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh here today.
He asserted that Jairam Thakur, Leader of the Opposition, withdrew from the Lok Sabha elections upon realizing his imminent defeat.
Thakur's decision came as no surprise to Sukhu, who highlighted Thakur's limited involvement in Mandi parliamentary constituency during his tenure as Chief Minister, focusing primarily on Seraj.
Sukhu revealed that Thakur initially agreed to contest the elections at the behest of the high command but backed out upon learning of Vikramaditya Singh's candidacy, deeming a celebrity candidate necessary for victory in Mandi.
Consequently, Thakur threw his support behind Kangana Ranaut, who temporarily suspended her film commitments for a month in Himachal Pradesh.
Sukhu confidently predicted Ranaut's electoral failure, suggesting that her foray into politics would inevitably falter.
Contrasting Ranaut's celebrity status, Sukhu extolled Vikramaditya Singh as a true hero dedicated to public service.
Singh's unwavering support for the people of Mandi during crises, such as his hands-on assistance in road clearing and bridge construction, earned him Sukhu's praise.
Sukhu promised that Singh would prioritize Banjar's development upon assuming office and assured the public of his commitment to fulfilling their needs.
Further lambasting the BJP, Sukhu criticized the previous government's corruption and job-selling practices, implicating Thakur's passive complicity.
He accused the BJP of obstructing disaster relief efforts and attempting to prevent women from receiving financial aid.
Sukhu condemned the BJP's electoral opportunism, contrasting it with Congress's principled governance and dedication to grassroots initiatives.
Switching focus, Sukhu announced the defection of former employees from Banjar to the Congress, citing their faith in the party's policies and the Chief Minister's leadership.
Retired professionals such as assistant professor Joginder Thakur, head teacher Sabja Chand, and police personnel Vikram Thakur joined Congress's ranks, bolstering Sukhu's confidence in the party's grassroots support.
