Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on 2 October 2026 paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at their statues on the historic Ridge in Shimla, marking both leaders' birth anniversaries. Thakur also participated in a cleanliness drive on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, acknowledging the contributions of sanitation workers.

Tributes and Their Significance

Speaking to reporters after the wreath-laying ceremony, Thakur said Gandhi's ideals of truth, non-violence, sacrifice, and Satyagraha had given the nation a new direction and continue to inspire people. He also remembered Shastri as a symbol of simplicity, honesty, and firm leadership, highlighting that Shastri's famous slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' remains a rallying call honouring the country's soldiers and farmers.

Delhi Visit and Development Discussions

Responding to media queries about a recent visit to Delhi, Thakur said he had held detailed discussions with Union ministers on development projects related to Himachal Pradesh, the functioning of the current state government, and organisational matters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said the talks covered governance issues and ongoing schemes, with feedback sought on how the state could maximise benefits from central programmes. He added that Union ministers had reaffirmed their support to Himachal Pradesh.

Attack on the Congress Government

Thakur launched a sharp attack on the ruling Indian National Congress (INC) government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging it had failed to live up to its employee-friendly claims. He pointed to the ongoing agitation by Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers, who he said had been protesting for several days over legitimate demands without the Chief Minister or his ministers finding time to address their grievances.

Thakur also alleged that Sukhu had announced the launch of the 'Mukhyamantri Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana' on Gandhi Jayanti but failed to follow through. He claimed that senior Congress leaders themselves were not taking the Chief Minister seriously, and that multiple programmes and schemes had repeatedly been postponed due to the unavailability of the party's central leadership.

Governance and Accountability Concerns

Thakur further accused the Chief Minister of neglecting development work and focusing primarily on a close circle of associates. He claimed this was the reason ministers were frequently travelling to Delhi to raise grievances before the Congress's central leadership. The allegations add to a pattern of opposition pressure on the Sukhu government, which has faced repeated criticism over pension delays, employee disputes, and scheme implementation gaps since coming to power.

With Gandhi Jayanti serving as both a commemorative occasion and a political platform, the day underscored the ongoing tensions between Himachal's ruling dispensation and a resurgent opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.