Party to showcase govt’s achievements
Munish Sood
MANDI:
With the Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government completing three years in power, the ruling party is set to mark the milestone with a massive public rally — the ‘Jan Sankalp Sammelan’ — in Mandi on Thursday (December 11, 2025).
Holding the event on the home turf of Leader of the Opposition and former CM Jai Ram Thakur, the Congress is treating the rally as a crucial political exercise ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Arrangements have been made at Mandi’s Paddal Ground to seat nearly 15,000 to 20,000 people, with the venue decked up with banners and hoardings highlighting state government schemes, welfare initiatives and flagship decisions taken during Sukhu’s tenure. The Congress leadership believes the event will energise the cadre, particularly because the party had faced a major setback in Mandi district in the last assembly elections, losing nine out of 10 seats.
Congress sees rally as platform to rebuild momentum in Mandi
Senior ministers, including Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, have been camping in Mandi for the past few days, overseeing preparations. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri along with Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil are scheduled to review final arrangements later on Wednesday. State Congress president Vinay Kumar reached the town on Tuesday evening.
Party strategists view the event not only as a celebration of the government’s three-year journey but as an opportunity to present its two-year roadmap ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Leaders are expected to highlight the administration’s economic reforms, disaster relief interventions, social welfare initiatives and upcoming development priorities.
The Congress hopes that the rally may help it regain ground in a district where the party’s organisation has struggled and the BJP remains strongly positioned.
Traffic plan revamped; Paddal Ground becomes single drop-off point
In view of the large footfall expected from across the state, Mandi has undergone major traffic route changes ahead of the rally. SP Sakshi Verma said several routes have been temporarily diverted to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement around the town.
Buses coming from different parts of Himachal will now have Paddal Ground as the sole drop-off point. After dropping passengers, vehicles will move via Bindrabani to the Mallori tunnel stretch, where parking arrangements have been made along the four-lane highway.
Political significance high as event unfolds in LoP’s bastion
Given that the rally is being organised in the constituency of former CM Jai Ram Thakur, political observers say the scale and messaging of the event carry added weight. BJP leaders have been closely monitoring preparations and are expected to respond sharply to the Congress’ narrative of governance, development and disaster management.
For the ruling party, Thursday’s rally is expected to serve as both a report card and a pitch for the future — demonstrating performance, shaping perception and setting the tone for the next phase of political contest in the state.
