Sukhu starts his over week-long tour, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh accompanying him
Dharamshala, January 17 (Sunil Chadha)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has revived the “winter sojourn” tradition in Kangra district, an initiative first introduced by late Congress leader Virbhadra Singh but discontinued under BJP rule.
Taking the initiative further, CM Sukhu has announced plans for a full-fledged Cabinet meeting in Dharamshala on January 23 or 24, ahead of the Full Statehood Day celebrations in Baijnath on January 25.
Key decisions expected in Cabinet meeting
The Dharamshala Cabinet meeting is anticipated to bring several crucial decisions aimed at strengthening Kangra’s development.
CM Sukhu has prioritised the rural economy, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare and education. Accompanying him on the tour are Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, signalling the government’s commitment to addressing the district’s long-standing grievances.
The meeting also aligns with Sukhu’s strategy to bolster Kangra’s prominence as the state’s “winter capital”. Political analysts view this as an effort to counter allegations of neglect during the BJP regime, when former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur discontinued the tradition.
Kangra’s political significance
Kangra district, with 15 Assembly seats, holds a pivotal role in Himachal’s politics. Virbhadra Singh’s winter sojourns served as a grassroots engagement strategy, fostering close ties with the district’s electorate.
However, the BJP’s decision to abandon the practice under Jai Ram Thakur resulted in poor electoral performance, with the party winning only three seats in the 2022 Assembly elections.
Sukhu’s decision to reinstate and expand the tradition is seen as a move to restore faith among Kangra’s residents. Having limited representation from Kangra in his Cabinet, Sukhu aims to strengthen ties with the district through developmental initiatives and direct public interaction.
Full Statehood Day function in Baijnath
Despite being designated the state’s “winter capital”, Kangra has often felt overlooked. Criticisms include the Congress government’s failure to fulfil promises, such as regular ministerial visits to the Secretariat in Dharamshala and delay in funding the Central University project.
The tour will culminate in the Full Statehood Day celebrations in Baijnath, which CM Sukhu will preside over. Highlighting Kangra’s importance, the event underscores the government’s renewed focus on the district’s development and its role in Himachal’s political landscape.
