Hamirpur: High drama unfolded at Geeta Bhawan in Nadaun on Wednesday after the health department sought clarification from the organizers regarding permission for a free medical consultation camp. The camp was organized by a social organization, Amogh Sankalp. Renowned neurosurgeon and BJP MLA Dr Janak Raj attended the event as a specialist to provide medical advice to patients.
Notably, Dr Janak Raj offered consultation to patients in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s home constituency, Nadaun, following the Chief Minister‘s recent remarks during the Minjar Fair regarding the MLA reviewing medical prescriptions. A large number of patients arrived at the camp with their medical records.
Dr Raj examined prescriptions, MRI reports, CT scans, and other medical documents related to brain, neuro, and spinal ailments, giving necessary medical advice. As news of the camp spread, patients and their attendants flooded the venue. Police personnel also reached the spot to assess the situation.
Commenting on the developments, Dr Janak Raj stated that the organization had applied for permission in a timely manner, but there was an alleged delay in approval. He alleged that pressure was being exerted through other means to stop the camp from taking place.
Due to alleged pressure over the last two days, owners of two previously fixed venues expressed discomfort, forcing the organizers to arrange Geeta Bhawan as the third venue on Wednesday morning. He questioned who was getting bothered by a free health camp organized in the public interest and affirmed that he would continue providing medical advice for public service whenever he gets time to visit Nadaun.
Despite the tension, Dr Raj continuously provided medical consultation. Around 150 people attended the camp, including patients from Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sundernagar. Teams from the police and health departments spoke with the organizers and Dr Raj before returning after reviewing the situation. Former MLA Vijay Agnihotri, along with party officials, also arrived at the spot and remained present until the camp concluded.
During a press interaction, Dr Raj addressed the allegations and actions against him, stating that the public has a right to know the truth and he would fully cooperate with any investigation. On the question of the Vigilance team issuing a notice to him—as the former IGMC Medical Superintendent—regarding an alleged Himcare scheme scam, he said the public will decide whether the action against him is political vendetta or a fair investigation.
Regarding his statement on uterus-related procedures, Dr Raj asserted that he stands by his statement, adding that people in the medical field understand the context and facts well. He reiterated that all facts should come out during the probe and that he will fully cooperate with investigating agencies.
Responding to allegations from the state government that BJP leaders do not advocate for Himachal’s interests with the Centre, Dr Raj questioned how many times the Chief Minister had met the Prime Minister to present the state’s case. He alleged that the CM visits Delhi only to meet the Gandhi family, whereas BJP leaders regularly apprise the party high command and the Prime Minister of issues concerning Himachal. He added that BJP leaders do not need to be told when to visit Delhi.
Dr Raj also condemned the FIR registered against supporters of Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma. He stated that the people who arrived in Dharamshala came on their own accord rather than being called by Sharma, making action against them unfair.
Taking a jibe at the internal friction within the Congress, Dr Raj remarked that the party now looks less like a political organization and more like a group of over five factions. He alleged that these active factions are affecting the government‘s functioning, advising the Chief Minister to focus more on managing his administration and party.
He cited instances such as Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri flagging off buses, the treatment meted out to Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Independence Day, and the public war of words between Kehar Singh Khachi and MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore as examples of internal strife.
Dr Raj concluded by stating that issues of public interest will be raised prominently in the upcoming assembly session. He added that the opposition will strongly voice the public’s concerns—including the problems of groups deprived of pensions—expose the state government’s working style, and demand answers on critical state matters.
