TNR Analysis: Congress govt has planned grand celebrations in Bilaspur on December 11
MANDI: As Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s government completes two years on December 11, 2024, the state stands at a crossroads.
The Congress slogans of “Sukh Ki Sarkar” and “Vyavashta Parivartan” promised transformation, yet the tenure has been marked by growing skepticism. Despite grand claims and celebrations planned in Bilaspur’s Luhnu ground, the glaring gap between promises and delivery raises tough questions about the government’s performance and its ability to fulfil its electoral pledges.
Governance marred by challenges, controversies
From the outset, the Sukhu government grappled with inherited debts, internal discord and public unrest. The challenges faced include:
- Unfulfilled electoral promises:
While the Congress came to power riding on 10 guarantees to the people, most remain unfulfilled or partially implemented. These include the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), Rs 1,500 monthly financial aid for women, 300 units of free electricity and job creation promises. - Economic mismanagement:
The state’s debt burden has surged past Rs 80,000 crore, making financial stability elusive. The administration’s inability to outline a robust economic roadmap has left Himachal teetering on the brink of a fiscal crisis. - Internal conflicts:
Infighting within the Congress has exposed the fragile foundations of governance. Incidents such as rebel MLAs voting against the party line during the Rajya Sabha elections highlighted severe cracks in the government’s structure. - Public disillusionment:
Policies like the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme and women’s financial assistance have either seen delayed implementation or been marred by bureaucratic hurdles, fuelling frustration among beneficiaries.
Economic promises: Aspirations vs. reality
The Congress government’s key guarantees were projected as game-changers, yet the reality paints a bleak picture:
• OPS restoration: Hailed as a landmark decision, its implementation remains incomplete, with certain employee groups still fighting for inclusion.
• 300 units of free electricity: Financial constraints in the state’s power sector have reduced this promise to tokenism, with many households yet to benefit.
• Job creation: Against a promise of five lakh jobs, only 30,000 have materialised, leaving the youth disillusioned. The delay in hiring process has further eroded trust.
Governance and decision-making: A Struggle for stability
Sukhu’s tenure has been marked by decisions that have polarised public opinion. The closure of institutions opened by the previous BJP government raised allegations of political vendetta rather than governance and public welfare.
Disaster relief under the “Sukh Ashray” scheme faced criticism for inadequate and delayed compensation, exposing administrative inefficiency.
The controversies over the reinstatement of the OPS, selective implementation of welfare schemes and poor handling of intra-party conflicts have hurt the government’s credibility.
Strained relations with the centre
Himachal’s progress has also been hindered by the acrimonious relationship between the state and central governments. The Sukhu government has often blamed the Narendra Modi-led Centre for withholding funds, but critics argue that the lack of coordination reflects poor diplomatic skills on the state’s part.
Celebrations amid growing discontent
As the government prepares to celebrate its two-year milestone, the public mood tells a different story. Rising unemployment, financial instability and unfulfilled promises have cast a shadow over the administration’s achievements. The opposition has been quick to capitalise on these failings, dubbing the government’s slogan “Sukh Ki Sarkar” as “hollow rhetoric”.
