Ruling Congress set to showcase its achievements
Munish Sood
MANDI:
As the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government completes three challenging years in power marked by two years of monsoon disaster, the ruling Congress is preparing to highlight its performance at a major public event in Mandi on December 11.
During the function, the Chief Minister is expected to outline the government’s development roadmap for the remaining two years of its tenure.
The event, scheduled to take place at Paddal Ground, will also host disaster-affected families, giving the government an opportunity to hear their concerns firsthand. After announcing a relief package earlier, CM Sukhu may unveil additional measures for those hit hardest by the calamity.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, a minister most attacked by the opposition BJP during the Vidhan Sabha session in Dharamshala recently, has been stationed in Mandi for days, personally reviewing preparations round the clock. The gathering is being described by political opponents as a celebratory occasion, even as the state continues to recover from widespread destruction.
Opposition BJP criticises timing of event
The Opposition BJP has criticised the timing, accusing the government of staging festivities in the middle of a crisis. Similar allegations surfaced during the winter session of the Assembly. To avoid any missteps that could fuel political attacks, the government has instructed ministers and officials to remain vigilant.
The administration aims to present the event in a completely different light, advising district authorities to ensure that nothing appears insensitive or inappropriate.
Despite the calamity, the government plans to showcase how it continued progressing on multiple fronts. Beneficiaries of various welfare schemes will also participate in the programme to share their experiences and highlight the impact of recent initiatives. The event will additionally serve as a platform to present what remains to be accomplished over the next two years.
Revenue Minister Negi inspects arrangements at venue
Revenue Minister Negi, who is inspecting arrangements at the venue, said the event has been titled a “public outreach conference”. Along with scheme beneficiaries, disaster survivors will also be in attendance. He stated that arrangements for accommodation, drinking water, lunch and seating are being closely monitored to ensure smooth conduct.
Since the programme is being held in the home district of Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the BJP is keeping a close watch on every development. Mandi district has sent the highest number of BJP legislators to the Assembly, making the opposition’s focus on the event unsurprising. Party leaders have criticised the government’s decision to go ahead with the large-scale gathering, arguing that it is “inappropriate while the state is still grappling with disaster-related challenges”.
