On the occasion of Republic Day at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur participated in the state-level celebrations and the Governor’s “At Home” program. Addressing the media, he extended greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh and reiterated his commitment to the state’s progress and the “Developed India Mission 2047”.
Thakur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, describing the recently signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark achievement that would strengthen India’s global economic presence. He highlighted that the agreement opens direct access to the markets of 27 European countries, providing preferential access to over 99% of Indian products, particularly benefiting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, chemicals, gems, leather, and footwear, with export potential exceeding ₹6.5 lakh crore. Thakur emphasized that this historic step would empower farmers, MSMEs, manufacturing, and service sectors, while creating new employment opportunities for the youth, reinforcing India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative on the global stage.
At the same time, Thakur sharply criticized the Sukhu government, calling it a “government of contradictions and failures.” He questioned the handling of ongoing investigations, alleging that the Chief Minister has been evasive regarding inquiries against the Deputy Chief Minister, and described the Republic Day announcements by the state government as “hollow and misleading.” He claimed that the government, with an empty treasury, was offering false assurances to voters, which the people of Himachal Pradesh no longer trust.
Thakur also expressed condolences over the demise of retired Professor Manju Lohmi and senior journalist V.P. Prabhakar, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society and journalism. He congratulated Major Anshul Baltu and Captain Joginder Singh for being awarded the Shaurya Chakra, and praised Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, on his promotion to the rank of Captain on the 77th Republic Day, calling it a testament to the indomitable courage of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
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