Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur praised the Prime Minister, saying that he has done unparalleled work in promoting, propagating, and internationally establishing yoga, as well as empowering women.

Addressing the Asmita Women City League and Women’s Honor program organized by the Himachal Yogasan Sports District, Hamirpur, at Lamblu Ground in Hamirpur Assembly constituency, Jairam Thakur said that within six months of assuming office, the Prime Minister successfully had June 21 declared International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly, a proposal supported by 177 countries. He also secured recognition for yoga from the Indian Olympic Association, which increased youth interest in yoga-based sports.

Today, yoga is strengthening both the health and economy of the country’s citizens. Similarly, the Prime Minister has launched numerous schemes for women’s empowerment. Through the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, he secured 33 percent reservation for women in the legislature, fulfilling a long-pending provision.

Thakur highlighted that 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were created to empower women and noted the ongoing goal of creating 40 million self-reliant women entrepreneurs, or “millionaire Didis.” He described the Prime Minister’s work as a milestone in advancing women’s empowerment.

Addressing a large public gathering, Thakur criticized Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, stating that governing requires genuine intentions, not empty promises. He said, “We made no guarantees before or after the elections. When I became Chief Minister, in my first cabinet meeting, I enacted a law to provide pensions to the state’s elderly, lowering the eligibility age from 80 to 60 and removing the income limit. It is our responsibility to care for the elderly, who have given us a happy world.”

He continued, “To protect mother cows, we established the Gau Seva Aayog and allocated funds for cow shelters. To empower women, we ensured a 50 percent discount on bus fares, reducing travel expenses for women. We launched the Grihini Suvidha Yojana to provide smoke-free kitchens, the Swavalamban Yojana prioritizing women, and the Shagun Yojana for daughters, nearly doubling the Kanyadaan Yojana amount. Schemes like Beti Hai Anmol Yojana and Ek Boota Beti Ke Naam were serious efforts toward empowering women. We also made electricity and water free for citizens.”

Jairam Thakur raised concerns about law and order in the state, calling it “completely out of control.” He cited two recent incidents in Hamirpur: a young man killing a woman who was like a mother to him, and another case of a son killing his own mother. He also highlighted the rapid spread of drug abuse, which was previously confined to border areas but is now pervasive across the state.

“Unprecedented crime is occurring, and the mafia is operating with impunity. These incidents are taking place in the Chief Minister’s home district and constituency. On December 1, the Bharatiya Janata Party will surround the Assembly to demand answers from the government regarding law and order. The government’s casual approach to these issues is very unfortunate,” Thakur said.