Rahul Gandhi chose a grassroots congress worker for Rajya Sabha: Sukhu
A felicitation ceremony for party workers was organised at the Congress party office Rajiv Bhavan in Shimla to celebrate the election of Congress leader Anurag Sharma as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament. On this occasion, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that it is a proud and happy day for party workers because a worker who rose from the organization has become a Rajya Sabha MP.
The Chief Minister said that for the Rajya Sabha election, the Congress high command had asked the state unit to suggest the names of four district presidents. From those names, senior leader Rahul Gandhi selected Anurag Sharma. He said that BJP leaders had been making various comments about the Rajya Sabha election, but there is no dissatisfaction among Congress leaders. This is the reason Anurag Sharma was elected unopposed as a Member of Parliament. He said that now in Parliament, BJP’s Anurag will face Congress’s Anurag and he is capable of giving a strong response.
The Chief Minister said that by giving a Rajya Sabha ticket to an ordinary party worker, Rahul Gandhi has sent a clear message that in the upcoming Assembly elections serious consideration will also be given to giving tickets to grassroots workers, including those from NSUI and the Congress organization. He urged party workers to be prepared for future challenges. He said that the present Congress government is moving forward with public welfare schemes.
To improve the education sector, the state government has decided to open 150 CBSE-based schools across Himachal Pradesh, including in backward areas. These schools will focus on the overall development of students. In addition, Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools are also being established in the state. He said the government is working towards transforming the entire education system of the state over the next five to six years.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that improving the health sector is also one of the government’s priorities. He said that within one year, modern technology similar to that available at AIIMS Delhi will be introduced in health institutions across the state. High-end machines are also being installed in hospitals so that patients can receive world-class medical treatment within the state itself.
He added that about 90 per cent of the people in Himachal Pradesh live in rural areas, and the state government is working to strengthen the rural economy so that more money reaches people in villages. He also alleged that the previous BJP government caused damage to the state’s resources. According to him, the previous government received Rs. 54,000 crore under RDG and Rs. 16,000 crore as GST compensation, while the current government has received only Rs. 17,000 crore under RDG, which is four times less.
The Chief Minister said the BJP government mismanaged the state’s finances and left the treasury empty. In contrast, he said the current government is providing Minimum Support Price to farmers for their produce, taking care of orphaned children, and ensuring the rights of horticulturists, labourers and women. He also accused the BJP of working against the interests of Himachal Pradesh. According to him, the BJP neither stood with families affected by natural disasters nor supported the state’s rightful financial assistance under RDG.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that today a common Congress worker from Himachal Pradesh has been sent to Delhi as a Member of Parliament. He said that Anurag Sharma will now have important responsibilities and challenges ahead, and he will have to fight for the rights of Himachal Pradesh in Delhi.
He said that in the past, under “Operation Lotus”, nine MLAs left the Congress party. However, Congress legislators remained united and defeated that attempt. He said that a wooden pot cannot be used again and again, adding that 40 loyal Congress MLAs have shown they stand firmly with the state government and will not allow any harm to it.
He further said that those who were claiming they would create history again in the Rajya Sabha election did not even reach the Assembly complex to file their nomination papers. He once again accused Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur of trying to block the state budget, while the government continues working for development despite financial challenges.
In his emotional address, newly elected MP Anurag Sharma said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu gave an opportunity to a worker who had never even imagined receiving such a chance. He thanked the Congress high command and said that this decision has sent a positive message to Congress workers across the country and boosted their morale.
He said being elected to the Rajya Sabha is a matter of great pride for him and he will make every possible effort to meet the expectations of the people of the state. He also said that he will continuously work to promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Anurag Sharma expressed confidence that in the 2027 Assembly elections, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Congress party will form the government again and win all 15 seats in Kangra district.
On this occasion, various organisations honoured Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Anurag Sharma.
Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs, former MLAs, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various boards, district party presidents, senior party workers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
