Munish Sood
Mandi
The second day of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s state executive meeting in Mandi witnessed sharp political exchanges, with senior party leaders launching a coordinated and aggressive attack on the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. From the very outset, the tone remained confrontational, with leaders accusing the state government of misgovernance, excessive taxation, and financial mismanagement, while asserting that public sentiment is steadily turning against the ruling dispensation.
Opening the attack, BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal alleged that the people of Himachal Pradesh are reeling under the combined burden of inflation, rising taxes, and administrative failures. He pointed to increased electricity and water tariffs, higher HRTC bus fares, and the rising cost of essential commodities through the public distribution system as indicators of what he termed as “anti-people governance.” According to Bindal, instead of providing relief, the government has chosen to impose financial strain on citizens. He further accused the administration of promoting nepotism, favoritism, and what he described as “mafia raj,” claiming that key sections of society—including youth, farmers, employees, and women—are facing neglect. He reiterated the party’s commitment to raise public issues both on the streets and within the विधानसभा.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh escalated the attack by declaring that the “countdown” for the Congress government has already begun. He asserted that the Sukhu-led government would not complete its full term and predicted a change in power within the next 18 months. Taking aim at Rahul Gandhi’s much-publicized “Thak-Thak model,” Chugh claimed it has “completely failed” in Himachal Pradesh, with promises made during elections remaining largely unfulfilled. In a sharp political remark, he said that “in three and a half years of Congress rule, Himachal has been pushed back by 35 years.” Chugh also raised concerns about the state’s financial health, alleging that the government is heavily dependent on borrowing, while development projects have come to a standstill.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also delivered a strong critique, accusing the government of misleading the public under the pretext of “system change.” He described the current administration as a model driven by increased taxation, mounting debt, and protection of corruption. Thakur further alleged that governance is being influenced by a close circle of associates, with decisions taken to benefit select individuals rather than the broader public. He raised concerns over the weakening of welfare schemes such as Himcare and Sahara, claiming that these initiatives, which once benefited vulnerable sections, are now being undermined. He also alleged that corruption has reached unprecedented levels, with the government failing to take decisive action and instead attempting to deflect or suppress issues.
During the meeting, BJP MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj and State Secretary Priyanka Sharma expressed strong support for the national political resolution presented at the event and highlighted the role of the central government in supporting Himachal Pradesh’s development. Dr. Bhardwaj referred to the ₹3,920 crore assistance provided under the “Pride of Hills” initiative, describing it as a significant boost for the state’s growth and a reflection of the Centre’s commitment to hill states. Priyanka Sharma emphasized that the BJP’s policies are rooted in the principle of inclusive development, stating that the party continues to gain public trust due to its governance model.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, while presenting the national political perspective, highlighted what he termed as a “golden decade of development” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He cited flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Digital India as transformative initiatives that have improved the quality of life for millions. Thakur also underscored India’s growing global stature, stable economic performance, and expansion in infrastructure as key achievements of the central government. He contrasted this with what he described as the Congress party’s focus on appeasement and inconsistent policy approaches.
Overall, the BJP’s state executive meeting in Mandi sent a clear political message, with leaders collectively signaling an intensified campaign against the Congress government. Framing the issue as a broader public movement rather than merely a political contest, BJP leaders asserted that growing dissatisfaction among citizens would ultimately translate into a shift in power in the state.
