Munish Sood
Mandi: In one of his most combative addresses in recent months, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Thursday (December 11, 2025) delivered a blistering speech at the state Congress government’s event in Mandi, warning political opponents, those trying to harm him that he would will destroy their identity, while also sending a message to the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government to “wield power where necessary”.
Speaking in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhu and AICC in-charge Rajni Patil, Agnihotri launched a no-holds-barred attack on the BJP, accusing its leaders of conspiring against the state government and trying to block central grants. But in the same breath, he nudged his own government to “act decisively, and act now.”
Says some officers, employees taking instructions from BJP
Agnihotri alleged that some officers and employees were “taking instructions from the BJP” despite a Congress government being in power.
“Those trying to defame the government should beware… Officers working at the behest of the BJP, we know who they are. We will deal with them — even if it is at night,” he said, suggesting stern internal action.
He urged CM Sukhu to take “strong action with both hands”, adding that the organisation and workers needed to feel the power of the government they had helped form. “Our workers have come from faraway places. They must feel they are in power. And that will happen only if the Sukhu government uses the power stick against errant officers,” he said.
Says it’s now or never as only two years left in power
In a candid message to Sukhu and Rajni Patil seated on stage, Agnihotri said the Congress leadership must take swift decisions on appointments and responsibilities. “Only two years are left. Whoever has to be made something, make them now — and make them fast. ‘Aise kaam nahin chalega’ (things won’t work like this),” he said.
Calling himself a “content man” not scared of anyone, Agnihotri warned: “If anyone conspires against me or tries to harm me, I won’t spare that person. I will damage him beyond repair. I’m saying this from Devbhoomi Himachal.”
Tributes to rain disaster victims; cites relief work
Agnihotri paid homage to those who died in the two years of rain-related disasters across Mandi and other districts. “We tried our best to help families of those who lost their lives. For the first time, the state government itself announced a disaster relief package. Nearly Rs 8 lakh per family was provided,” he said.
He accused Himachal BJP leaders of repeatedly travelling to Delhi to “stop the release” of central funds. “PM Modi announced ₹1,500 crore, but our own BJP leaders keep blocking it in Delhi,” he said.
In another pointed remark aimed at the Opposition, Agnihotri said, “Those thinking that by sitting at home they will come to power again must stop day-dreaming.” He also accused the BJP of adopting an anti-Himachal stand historically. “Himachal was created because of the Congress. The Nehru-Gandhi family gave us full statehood. If Dr YS Parmar were not there, Himachal wouldn’t exist. The BJP opposed a separate Himachal,” he asserted.
Says Sukhu govt carrying forward Virbhadra’s legacy
Agnihotri credited former CM Virbhadra Singh for “large-scale development” in the state and said the Sukhu government was carrying that legacy forward.
Reiterating the Congress promise on the old pension scheme (OPS), he urged Sukhu to make a law to guarantee OPS. “Employees are looking at us for assurance,” he said.
