Shrey Awasthi
In a shocking yet predictable move, the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government has suddenly withdrawn cabinet rank from chairpersons and advisors, citing financial crisis. But let’s be brutally honest ,this is not reform, this is panic. Election panic.For years, this very government had no hesitation in distributing power like freebies. Cabinet ranks were handed out, extensions were granted, promotions were given not on merit, not on need, but on political convenience.
Positions were created to reward loyalty, not to serve the people. The system was expanded to accommodate a select few while the state’s finances quietly sank deeper into crisis.And now, suddenly, they remember “financial discipline.”What changed overnight? Did the financial situation just collapse yesterday? Or did elections just come closer?
The truth is simple: this government did not act when it should have now it is acting because it has no choice. While Congress was busy distributing power and extending privileges, the youth of Himachal Pradesh were being systematically ignored. There were no serious efforts to create jobs, no vision to attract industries, no roadmap for entrepreneurship. Recruitment processes slowed down, opportunities dried up, and an entire generation was left in uncertainty. Young people studied hard, earned degrees, and dreamed of building a future in their own state—but what did they get in return? Unemployment. Silence. Neglect.
Instead of investing in youth employment, the government invested in political expansion. Instead of creating opportunities, it created posts. Instead of empowering the next generation, it empowered its inner circle. And today, when the financial mess can no longer be hidden, they expect people to believe that withdrawing a few cabinet ranks will fix everything? This is not governance. This is damage control.The government claims that the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant has forced them into this decision. But this is nothing
but an excuse. Every responsible administration knows that such grants are temporary. Planning for their withdrawal is basic governance, not advanced economics. So where was the planning? Why were extensions given if the financial condition was already weak? Why were promotions approved if the treasury was under pressure? Why was there no urgency then but sudden urgency now? Because then, there were no elections.Now, there are.
This move exposes a harsh reality: Congress reacts only when it is cornered. It governs only when it is forced. And the biggest victims of this failed approach are the youth of Himachal.
A state known for its talent and hardworking young population is now facing a crisis of opportunity. Students are leaving the state in search of jobs. Skilled individuals are forced to compromise on their potential. Small entrepreneurs struggle without support. And instead of addressing these real issues, the government was busy managing political appointments.This is not just mismanagement—it is a betrayal of the youth. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always emphasized structured growth, employment generation, and
fiscal responsibility. The difference is visible: while BJP works with a vision, Congress operates in reaction mode—fixing problems only when they become too big to ignore.The withdrawal of cabinet ranks is not a bold step—it is a delayed correction of a mistake that should never have happened.And let’s ask the most important question:What benefit does this bring to the common man today? Will this decision create jobs overnight? Will it bring industries to Himachal? Will it stop the migration of youth? The answer is clear—No.
Because this move is not about the people. It is about perception. It is about trying to rebuild a damaged image just before facing voters. But the youth of Himachal are not fooled anymore.
They have seen the reality. They have lived the struggle. They know who stood with them—and who ignored them.You cannot ignore youth for years and suddenly remember them when elections arrive.You cannot build a system for political comfort and then pretend to dismantle it for public good. You cannot expect trust after delivering neglect.The time for symbolic politics is over.The youth want answers.
The youth want opportunities.The youth want accountability. And above all, the youth want
leadership that thinks about their future—not just its own survival.This sudden withdrawal is not a solution—it is a confession.A confession that priorities were wrong.A confession that governance failed. A confession that the system was misused.
And now, the people of Himachal—especially its youth are ready to respond. Not with words, but with their vote.
(Views are personal)
Shrey Awasthi
Social Media Co-Convenor
BJP Himachal Pradesh
