Three Years of Sukhu Govt: Congress Showcases Strength, Sends Political Signal in Mandi
Chief Minister Sukhu says Congress is poised to win 52 seats in 2027
The Himachal Pradesh Congress government marked its three-year milestone with a massive public gathering at Mandi’s Paddal ground, turning the event into both a celebration and a clear political message ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, joined by senior party leaders and thousands of supporters, said the huge turnout showed the continued trust people had in his government. He spoke emotionally about his journey from a “common family background” to the Chief Minister’s chair, crediting the blessings of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
Sukhu also invoked the legacy of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, reminding critics that the Congress had “lost two prime ministers for the sake of the nation.”
People-First Governance, Sukhu Says
Sharing a personal anecdote, Sukhu recalled that on his very first day as Chief Minister, he chose to visit orphaned children instead of heading to the Secretariat. He said this gesture reflected his government’s commitment to the vulnerable.
He highlighted that 6,000 orphans had been declared “Children of the State,” receiving support such as financial aid for housing, tuition assistance, and monthly pocket money.
Sharp Attack on Previous BJP Govt
Sukhu accused the previous BJP government of leaving the state with a debt of ₹75,000 crore, forcing the current administration to borrow just to repay old loans. He also alleged that the BJP granted Sixth Pay Commission benefits right before the 2022 elections for political gain.
He reiterated that restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was a promise fulfilled in the very first cabinet meeting, not a political move. According to him, the Central government withheld ₹1,600 crore after the state reinstated OPS.
Monsoon Disaster and Relief Efforts
The Chief Minister revisited the devastation caused by the 2023 monsoon, when 75,000 tourists were stranded across Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti. He said the state government worked round the clock to restore essential services.
Although central teams assessed damages at ₹9,300 crore, the state received only ₹500 crore, he claimed. The government then announced its own ₹4,500 crore relief package and revised rules to support affected families. With 23,000 houses damaged, each affected family was offered ₹7 lakh for reconstruction.
Corruption Allegations Against BJP
Sukhu accused the previous government of large-scale irregularities, including allotting 4,500 bighas of public land for just ₹1.32 crore and offering industrial power at ₹3 per unit. He said wine contracts that earlier fetched ₹450 crore in four years were restructured, allowing the Congress government to recover the same amount in just one year.
He also highlighted the recovery of ₹350 crore in the Wildflower Hall case and ₹250 crore from JSW, saying the money had been deposited in the state treasury.
Congress Leaders Confident of 2027 Victory
Sukhu predicted a stronger mandate in 2027, claiming the Congress would win 52 seats. Party in-charge Rajni Patil praised the government’s performance, saying six guarantees had already been fulfilled and expressing confidence in a Congress victory in the next election.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri delivered a fiery speech, calling the event a “warning bell” for those hoping to win elections “by sitting at home.” He accused BJP leaders of blocking central aid and questioned the Centre’s opposition to OPS.
Local Issues and Political Messaging
HPCC president Vinay Kumar said the past three years had been challenging due to natural disasters but praised the government’s relief efforts. He criticised Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut for not visiting disaster-hit areas.
A coffee-table book documenting three years of development work was released, and gallantry awardees and sportspersons were honoured on stage.
Notably, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh and former HPCC president Pratibha Singh were absent from the event.
The gathering, filled with strong speeches and political undertones, signalled the start of an assertive campaign phase as the Congress gears up for the next electoral battle.
