Sourabh Sood
Mandi: Himachal Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajni Patil on Thursday (December 11, 2025) hailed Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri’s explosive address at the state government’s ‘Jan Sankalp Sammelan’ in Mandi, declaring him the “man of the match” for his aggressive tone and uncompromising political messaging.
Patil, who shared the stage with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and senior leaders, said Agnihotri “spoke powerfully and put across his points with clarity”.
Patil added that if all Congress leaders remained united and moved in one direction, “a return to power in 2027 is certain”. Before her remarks, Agnihotri had delivered one of his most forceful speeches of recent months, taking aim at the BJP, sections of the bureaucracy and even nudging his own government to act tougher in the remaining two years of its term.
Says BJP said Congress disappearing, but Himachal proved them wrong
Addressing the crowd, Patil said that despite repeated claims nationwide that the Congress was weakening, Himachal Pradesh had demonstrated its resilience by electing the party in 2022 and now presenting a “solid three-year report card”.
She added that the Congress government had fulfilled six of its 10 guarantees and was on track to complete the rest. “People will repeatedly choose the Congress; there is no doubt about it,” she said.
Agnihotri’s blistering attack: ‘Will destroy those trying to harm us’
Earlier, in a searing speech that set the tone for the rally, Deputy CM Agnihotri warned political opponents and internal detractors alike, saying he would “destroy the identity” of those attempting to undermine him. He also urged the Sukhu government to assert its authority.
Agnihotri accused certain officers and employees of “taking instructions from the BJP even when the Congress is in power”. “Those trying to defame the government should beware. Officers working at the BJP’s behest—we know who they are. We will deal with them, even if it has to be at night,” he said.
Calling for decisive governance, he urged Sukhu to take “strong action with both hands,” arguing that party workers must feel empowered by the government they helped install.
In an unusually candid message delivered in front of Sukhu and Patil, Agnihotri pressed for swift decisions on political appointments. “Only two years are left. Whoever has to be made something, make them now — and make them fast. Aise kaam nahi chalega (things must pick pace),” he said.
He described himself as a “content man” unafraid of confrontation but warned he would “damage beyond repair” anyone conspiring against him. “I am saying this from Devbhoomi Himachal,” he said.
Agnihotri offered condolences to families of those killed in the two consecutive years of rain-related disasters. “For the first time, the state government announced its own disaster relief package. Nearly Rs 8 lakh per affected family was provided,” he said.
He accused Himachal BJP leaders of repeatedly visiting Delhi to block central grant releases.
“PM Modi announced Rs 1,500 crore, but our own BJP leaders keep stopping its release,” Agnihotri said.
Attacking the Opposition, he added, “Those thinking they can return to power while sitting at home should stop day-dreaming.” He also said Himachal’s very existence was the result of Congress leadership — from Nehru and Indira Gandhi to Dr YS Parmar — and accused the BJP of opposing the formation of the state.
Agnihotri praised former CM Virbhadra Singh for laying the foundation of large-scale development in the state and said the Sukhu government was carrying that legacy forward. Reaffirming the Congress commitment to the old pension scheme, he urged Sukhu to pass a law to guarantee OPS. “Employees are looking at us with hope,” he said.
