Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Crime, Drug Abuse, and Illegal Mining While Government Focuses on ‘Samosa Scandal’: Jairam Thakur

Shimla: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, launched a scathing attack on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government, accusing it of being directionless, authoritarian, and completely disconnected from ground realities. In a sharp critique, Thakur stated that while the state is witnessing a surge in crime, rampant drug abuse, and illegal mining, the government has prioritized investigating the so-called ‘samosa scandal’ over pressing public concerns.

Thakur ridiculed the administration, saying that a simple incident involving a missing samosa had led the state’s police forces to dedicate their time and resources to an unnecessary investigation. Initially, the authorities were preoccupied with finding out who had eaten the Chief Minister’s samosa. Now, the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is aggressively trying to track down who leaked this ‘scandal’ to the media. Thakur called this a blatant misuse of state resources, which should instead be focused on curbing crime and addressing public grievances.

Highlighting the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state, Thakur pointed out that in just the past 50 days, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 16 murders. In the last month alone, five youths have lost their lives due to drug overdoses, with one such case making headlines in the local newspapers today. Illegal mining has also become a massive issue, with mafias digging up roads and even bridges. Shockingly, these activities are happening just 200 meters away from the Superintendent of Police’s office, yet no action has been taken despite repeated complaints from the public. Thakur accused the government of allowing criminals and mafias to operate with impunity while state intelligence agencies remain preoccupied with samosa-related investigations.

Attack on Press Freedom: A Government’s Attempt to Silence the Media

Thakur also lashed out at the government for what he called an outrageous attack on press freedom. He criticized the CID’s FIR regarding the samosa leak, calling it absurd, conspiratorial, and a clear attempt to intimidate journalists. He specifically took issue with Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which he claims is being misused to suppress the media. Thakur alleged that the government is using such laws to create fear among journalists, ensuring that any reports exposing its failures do not reach the public.

According to Thakur, the Sukhu administration has already filed over two dozen FIRs against media personnel and citizens who have been critical of the government. Now, with the ‘samosa scandal,’ the government is making a collective effort to target journalists and restrict people’s right to freedom of speech and expression. He warned that this is a direct violation of constitutional rights and accused the Congress government of trying to curb democracy through authoritarian tactics.

Calling out Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Thakur demanded an explanation from him and his party regarding the blatant attack on press freedom in Himachal Pradesh. He questioned how a government that claims to protect constitutional values could justify suppressing the media and the people’s right to free expression.

A Government That Fails to Prioritize Public Concerns

Thakur further questioned the rationale behind the government’s FIR, which alleges that “sensitive matters are being repeatedly leaked to the media.” He demanded that the Chief Minister clarify how many such cases have actually been leaked in the past and what impact they have had on the state’s security and sovereignty. He also challenged the government to explain how the investigation into who ate the Chief Minister’s samosa is classified as a ‘confidential matter’ and how it serves public interest.

Concluding his statement, Thakur urged the Chief Minister to abandon his authoritarian approach and focus on addressing the real issues affecting the people of Himachal Pradesh. Instead of conspiring against journalists and curbing press freedom, he said, the government should direct its efforts toward dismantling the growing drug menace and illegal mining operations that are plaguing the state.

He warned that any attempts to impose an undeclared emergency in the state would not succeed, as the people of Himachal Pradesh will not tolerate such oppressive governance.

Himachal’s Crime Surge Ignored as Govt Focuses on ‘Samosa Scandal’: Jairam Thakur’s Scathing Attack

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