Sourabh Sood
Mandi: Turning a taunt into a political counterpunch, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (December 11, 2025) used the state government’s Jan Sankalp Sammelan in Mandi to declare that the Congress would “arrive in a Volvo with 52 MLAs” after the 2027 Assembly elections, a retort to former CM Jai Ram Thakur’s past jibe about “Sukhu driving in his favourite Alto to the Vidhan Sabha with less than five MLAs”.
Addressing a packed Paddal Ground during celebrations marking three years of his government, Sukhu said the Opposition’s mockery only strengthened his resolve. “They made fun of my Alto. Let them. In 2027, we will win 52 seats and come to the Assembly in a Volvo,” he said to loud applause.
Says Centre ‘tying hands’ of state; cites disaster relief work
Sukhu alleged that despite the state suffering two years of devastating rains, the Centre delayed financial assistance.
“Two years after the disaster, Rs 2,000 crore was finally approved. Our government rehabilitated every disaster-hit family. We changed rules and laws to ensure no one was left behind,” he said, adding that Himachal had delivered one of the “best relief packages in the country”.
He also accused the Opposition of attempting to topple the government earlier last year by trying to “purchase” Congress MLAs. “They said even God cannot save this government. But with the blessings of the people, the Congress is back at its original tally of 40 MLAs,” he said.
Says 7 guarantees delivered, rest in next two years
Listing the government’s achievements, Sukhu said his administration had fulfilled seven of the 10 poll guarantees in just three years. “We have decided to introduce English-medium teaching in all government schools. The remaining guarantees will be completed in the next two years,” he said.
The CM attacked the previous BJP government for “handing 4,500 bighas of land to industrialists for just Rs 1.32 crore”, waiving registry fees and supplying electricity for Rs 3 per unit. “Those who talk about morality are themselves trapped in the swamp of corruption,” he said.
Takes aim at BJP over debt, arrears, ‘double-engine’ claims
Sukhu said that when he assumed office, the state was facing three major financial challenges, including a Rs 75,000 crore debt inherited from the previous government. “Your double-engine government left such a burden on the poor that we had to borrow more to repay your borrowings,” he said.
He added that the Sixth Pay Commission arrears of Rs 10,000 crore were also left to the present government. “The Cabinet and the people stood shoulder-to-shoulder to face this crisis,” he said.
Reiterating his vision, Sukhu said that by 2027 Himachal would become a fully self-reliant state.
“If people stand with the Congress, we will change the picture and the destiny of Himachal. Those involved in corruption will be behind bars,” he said.
