Bilaspur (S Gopal Puri & Munish Sood)
The Himachal Pradesh Congress government celebrated its two-year anniversary on December 11, 2024, at Luhnu Ground in Bilaspur, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlining the government’s achievements and his vision for the state’s future.
The event saw a host of prominent leaders in attendance, including AICC General Secretary and Himachal Incharge Rajeev Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Congress state president Pratibha Singh, and several ministers and senior Congress leaders from across the region.
Sukhu began his address by thanking the people of Himachal Pradesh for their continued support. He emphasized the government’s accomplishments, despite inheriting a depleted treasury. “We fulfilled our promise of restoring the old pension scheme (OPS) for 1,36,000 employees, proving that we are a government of commitment and compassion,” Sukhu stated.
The Chief Minister elaborated on the challenges faced by his administration, including the devastating natural calamities that struck the state. He recounted how the government restored electricity and water supplies within 48 hours, rescuing 75,000 stranded tourists, and personally led a rescue mission at Chandertal, airlifting 295 tourists when conventional means failed. “Our response during these calamities demonstrated the sensitivity and efficiency of this government,” Sukhu remarked.
Sukhu also highlighted significant welfare measures, including granting “Children of the State” status to orphaned children, allocating a Rs 4,500 crore relief package for disaster relief, raising milk prices by Rs 15 per liter, and increasing MGNREGA wages to support rural livelihoods.
Looking ahead, Sukhu outlined his vision for the future, pledging to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant by 2027 and the most prosperous state by 2032. “We are not here for the trappings of power but to bring systemic change and ensure the welfare of every section of society,” he stated.
Sukhu also announced future initiatives, including strengthening the rural economy in the upcoming budget, expanding green energy projects to make Himachal a leader in sustainable development, and providing financial assistance for the education of children from 23,000 widowed families.
However, Sukhu did not hesitate to criticize the previous BJP government, accusing it of corruption in recruitment exams, land allotments, and PPE kit procurements. He also targeted BJP National President JP Nadda, demanding accountability for his leadership.
The event concluded with Congress workers and supporters from across the state rallying behind the party’s leadership, showcasing unity and confidence in the government’s direction.
