Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of violating the model code of conduct during the ongoing campaigning for the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections. Jai Ram, while addressing public meetings in the Dhauhndi ward and other parts of the Mandi Municipal Corporation, alleged that the Chief Minister’s announcement of providing Rs 50 lakh each to councillors was an attempt to influence voters through financial promises during the election period. He termed the move as irresponsible, unconstitutional and misleading, which reflected a vindictive mindset.
The former Chief Minister said that such announcements during elections undermined democratic values and violated electoral norms. He alleged that the Congress was once again trying to attract voters through ‘’false guarantees’’ but the people of Mandi were fully aware of such tactics.
Jai Ram accused the state government of taking credit for development funds provided under Central Government urban schemes. He questioned the allocation of development projects and asked why proposals worth Rs 1,000 crore for Mandi reportedly received approval for only Rs 180 crore.
He alleged that the Congress government had withdrawn Rs 15 crore released for development works during the previous BJP government, which was discriminatory against Mandi.
