Says Hamirpur MP’s remarks ‘irresponsible’, mythological comparisons unfit for democracy
S Gopal Puri
SHIMLA: In a sharp retort to BJP MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur’s recent ‘Pandavas vs Kauravas’ analogy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday (November 8, 2025) labelled BJP leaders as the “Pandavas of Kalyug” and advised them to focus on fighting for the state’s interests.
The political spat erupted after Thakur, a former Union Minister, compared the Congress to the “Kauravas” and stated that five ‘Pandavas’ from the BJP were fighting them. Chief Minister Sukhu, hitting back, termed Thakur’s remarks “irresponsible” and stated that such mythological comparisons are unfit for a democracy.
CM says Himachal politics not a battle of Mahabharata
“Loktantra mein iss tarah ki pauranik tulna karna sahi nahi hai (in a democracy, this kind of mythological comparison is not right),” Sukhu said. He clarified that the politics of Himachal Pradesh is not a battle of Mahabharata, but a competition of public service and development.
Taking a clear dig at the BJP leadership, the Chief Minister stated, “If Anurag Thakur ji and BJP leaders consider themselves to be Pandavas, then they are the Pandavas of Kalyug. They must understand that their dharma is to protect the people of the state and their interests, not just to engage in political rhetoric.”
Sukhu also challenged the BJP leaders to leverage their influence at the Centre to secure benefits for Himachal Pradesh. He urged the state’s BJP leadership to use their strong connections in Delhi to expedite the state’s pending financial dues, disaster relief packages, and development projects.
Says true Pandavas one who fight for their people
“The true Pandavas are those who fight for the people of their state. I appeal to these ‘Pandavas’ of the BJP to fight a real battle by getting special financial assistance for Himachal from the central government,” Sukhu said. “This battle should not be against the Congress, but for making the state economically strong.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a time of heightened political activity in the state, with both major parties intensifying their attacks on each other in the run-up to upcoming elections.
