Himachal Pradesh Congress Government Overcomes Challenges, Vows to Complete Full Term

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and party leaders, addressed the media today, highlighting the remarkable journey of the Congress government, which has braved three significant challenges since assuming power 15 months ago.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu proudly announced that despite facing a trifecta of hurdles engineered by the opposition BJP and natural disasters, the Congress-led government has stood strong. Sukhu recalled the daunting task of inheriting an empty treasury and massive debts totaling Rs 86,000 crore from the previous Jai Ram Thakur administration. Undeterred, his government swiftly implemented a series of measures, including a comprehensive financial audit and revenue generation initiatives, ensuring the fulfillment of guarantees like the Old Pension Scheme for 1.36 lakh employees.

In a groundbreaking move, the government introduced the Sukh Ashray Scheme, embracing all orphaned children as wards of the state, promising education support until the age of 27 and providing housing for those without. Single mothers and their children were also granted free education. Additionally, the government extended support to milk producers by ensuring fair prices for their produce.

The challenges escalated with a devastating monsoon wreaking havoc across the state last year. Despite the central government’s inaction, the Congress government mobilized all resources. Ministers were on the ground, restoring roads, offering temporary shelters, and allocating Rs 7 lakh for new homes to thousands affected by the floods. A remarkable Rs 4,500 crore relief package was swiftly announced from the state’s resources, with generous contributions from individuals and organizations, including children breaking their piggy banks, donating a collective Rs 200 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Criticism was directed at the Narendra Modi government for its lack of assistance, with Sukhu expressing gratitude to donors for their generosity in the face of adversity. The administration also addressed employment concerns by filling 20,000 vacant positions upon assuming power. It tackled the recurring issue of paper leaks from the previous government, disbanding the Subordinate Selection Commission after uncovering more than 30 examination paper leaks.

Mukesh Agnihotri, in a show of unity, reiterated that the party stands strong and committed to completing its full term. He affirmed plans for a well-organized campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and bye-elections over the next 46 days.

Sukhu condemned the BJP’s attempts to destabilize the government, highlighting the challenge of six Congress MLAs being swayed by BJP’s offers. Despite these hurdles, the government prevailed, and Sukhu assured that those who betrayed the trust of the people by defecting to the saffron party would not be forgiven easily.

The press conference concluded with a warning against former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s alleged efforts to undermine the Congress government. A purported statement from BJP candidate Kangna Ranaut, suggesting Thakur’s imminent return to power on June 4, was dismissed as an attempt to sow discord.