Shimla, May 24 -- Former chief minister and leader of the Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, on Saturday accused the state government of "financially exploiting" the public with Congress blaming the Opposition BJP of indulging in negative politics.

Addressing a press conference in Mandi, Jai Ram said, "The Sukhu government is engaging in a brand of politics characterised by lies, deceit and the financial exploitation of the public. The Congress party-which issued grand guarantees during the election campaign-has now reneged on the promises it made to the people."

Thakur said that while Congress guaranteed 300 units of free electricity, upon assuming power, they abolished the existing provision of 125 free units provided by ...