Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing the Jan Sankalp Sammelan at Paddal Ground in Mandi, outlined the major economic, political and natural challenges faced by the state government over the past three years and how these were tackled with determination.
The Chief Minister said that the previous BJP government left Himachal burdened with a debt of ₹75,000 crore due to financial mismanagement, forcing the present government to raise loans simply to repay the dues. He added that arrears of ₹10,000 crore for government employees were also left to be cleared by the current administration.
He further stated that the former government had sold 4,500 bighas of land for only ₹1.12 crore under a so-called customized package without even completing its registry. He asserted that the present government is committed to protecting Himachal’s resources and ensuring that the rights of the people are not compromised. Significant decisions have been taken to build a self-reliant and prosperous Himachal Pradesh while firmly presenting the state’s rightful claims before the Centre and neighbouring states.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Chief Minister said that the state secured a major legal win in the Wildflower Hall case, ensuring an annual income of ₹20 crore. He added that royalty from the Karchham-Wangtoo hydro project was increased from 12% to 18%, providing an additional ₹150 crore every year. Similarly, while the previous government generated only ₹450 crore from liquor vend renewals in four years, the present government earned the same revenue within a single year through its excise policy.
CM Sukhu criticised the BJP for resorting to misleading statements and personal attacks, even over trivial issues like his use of an Alto car. He expressed confidence that the government’s performance would bring them back to power in 2027, saying that “we will return with a 52-seater Volvo.” He reiterated that true public servants fear no one and that Himachal Pradesh would become a fully self-reliant state by 2027.
He emphasised that public welfare remains the top priority of the Congress government. Soon after taking office, the state implemented the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana, legally adopting orphaned children as “Children of the State”—a step born from compassion, not politics. He also recalled the government’s extensive efforts to support disaster-affected families during recent natural calamities.
The Chief Minister reiterated that restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was a socially driven decision aimed at ensuring security for employees and their families. He highlighted the Congress Party’s long-standing commitment to national unity, noting the sacrifices of two Prime Ministers.
Urging people to back the government’s vision, he called for collective efforts to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant within the next two years, saying that together, “we will reshape the future and image of the state.”
