Shimla: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur has accused the Sukhu-led State Government of persistently pursuing what he termed a policy of putting “Himachal on sale,” alleging a fresh conspiracy to hand over valuable State land to select builders and business interests under the guise of modern township development.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Jairam Thakur said that the government has allegedly approved a proposal to develop a township over 3,485 bighas of land at Sheetalpur, which he claimed was cleared by the Cabinet recently. He alleged that the move is aimed at benefitting close associates of the government and could open the door to large-scale corruption.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that as per circle rates, the land in question is valued at around ₹754 crore, but due to its proximity to Chandigarh, its actual market value exceeds ₹5,000 crore. He alleged that the government is eyeing this land for a “big game,” adding that the proposed township area in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Any disturbance, he warned, could severely harm Himachal Pradesh’s fragile ecosystem.
Jairam Thakur further alleged that a similar exercise is underway in the Pachhad Assembly constituency of Sirmaur district, where a township is being proposed over 134 bighas of land in the Mahal Janot Panchayat area of the Morni Hills. He claimed that the land is first being transferred to HIMUDA and later planned to be handed over to large private builders. According to him, identical plans are being prepared for Sheetalpur, where local panchayat representatives are allegedly being pressured and intimidated by the administration to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Calling the situation unfortunate, the former Chief Minister questioned the justification for pressuring panchayats to issue NOCs and alleged that corruption is embedded in every major scheme of the present government, involving officials from top to bottom.
He said that since its very first day in power, the Congress government has been working on a “Himachal on Sale” mission. He alleged that attempts were made to privatize Himachal Tourism hotels, sell off other State resources, and dispose of land meant for the Medical Devices Park. He also referred to the proposed sale of 112 hectares of land belonging to Palampur Agricultural University, which was later stayed by the court.
Jairam Thakur further accused the government of diluting the spirit of Section 118 by repeatedly amending it and opening “back doors” for land transfers. He said that land allotments in the name of power projects and industries outside notified industrial areas have also been misused, recalling how middlemen allegedly charged money for securing exemptions under Section 118.
He asserted that the BJP is not opposed to development, but alleged that every policy of the Sukhu government is designed with corruption in mind, where development is merely a pretext to exploit State resources and benefit a select group.
On the occasion of the New Year, Jairam Thakur also extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Himachal Pradesh. He expressed hope that the New Year would bring happiness, peace, prosperity and new opportunities for the State and the country. Reflecting on the past year, he said it was filled with challenges and lessons, but the people of Himachal faced them with courage, patience and unity. He prayed for the continued blessings of the Almighty upon all residents of the State.
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