Shimla, Oct 11
Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur has accused the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government of Himachal Pradesh of imposing an undeclared emergency in the state by targeting journalists who expose its failures.
In a strongly worded statement issued from Shimla, Thakur alleged that the government is resorting to filing cases against journalists who dare to write the truth, attempting to stifle the media’s voice, which plays a crucial role as the “temporary opposition” in a democracy.
Thakur criticized the government for what he described as dictatorial behavior, saying, “The Sukhu government has started threatening and implicating journalists who are simply reporting on its shortcomings.”
The LOP’s remarks come after a case was reportedly registered against a journalist. Thakur called the incident shameful and a clear attempt to strangle the free press in the state.
The Leader of the Opposition further stated that the failures of the Congress-led government have been exposed to the public, not just in Himachal Pradesh but also at the national level.
“The Chief Minister seems intent on ensuring that only positive coverage about him surfaces. But journalists, who are tasked with reporting the truth, will not justify his government’s lies and inaction,” Thakur asserted.
He warned the government that this “dictatorship” would not be tolerated by the people of Himachal Pradesh. “Every section of society will raise its voice against the government’s failure.
The truth cannot be hidden through lawsuits, and the voices of the people and the press will not be silenced,” he added.
Thakur’s statement comes amid growing concerns about press freedom in the state. He emphasized that the government should come out of its dictatorial mindset and function as a democratic government.
“Instead of threatening the media, the government should focus on fulfilling its promises to the people and addressing issues of public interest, such as the stalled development work across the state,” he said.
Thakur urged the Sukhu government to immediately withdraw all cases filed against journalists, calling these actions a dangerous precedent for democracy. He also warned the government to remember the fate of past dictatorial regimes in India, which were eventually ousted by the public.
In his concluding remarks, Thakur accused the government of using these tactics to divert attention from its financial mismanagement, saying that opposition to such measures would continue until justice is restored.
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