Himachal budget: CM Sukhu drives to Assembly in his 22-year-old Alto, several luxury cars part of convoy

Sunil Chadha
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a striking entry into the Assembly on Monday (March 17, 2025), driving his 22-year-old Alto car to present the state’s 2025-26 budget.

As the Finance Minister, this marks his third budget presentation. However, the highlight of the day was not just the budget but the viral photo of him driving the modest car, which triggered a wave of reactions on social media.

CM’s Alto car grabs attention

The image of CM Sukhu arriving in his old white Alto quickly made rounds on social media. While some appreciated the gesture, others called it political theatrics.

The car, surrounded by high-end vehicles and security personnel, stood out, reminding many of Sukhu’s humble beginnings.

Notably, this is the same vehicle he drove to the Assembly in 2003 when he first became an MLA, reflecting his sentimental attachment to it.

Mixed reactions on social media

The Chief Minister’s choice to drive himself led to a divided opinion among the public. A Facebook user questioned the need for such a spectacle, calling it unnecessary drama.

Another user saw it as a way for Sukhu to highlight the economic situation of the state. Another person remarked that such stunts no longer fooled the public.

Some users also compared his act to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s strategies, suggesting that true leadership should be learned from the late Virbhadra Singh.

From newspaper vendor to CM

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. Born to an HRTC driver, he faced financial hardships during his college years, even selling newspapers and running a PCO to support his education.

His political career began with the NSUI, and over the years, he rose through the ranks to become Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister.

While his decision to drive his old Alto may be a symbolic nod to his roots, it has certainly ignited a debate on social media about the fine line between humility and political optics, said a Congress leader.