Calls Kangana Ranaut’s remark blaming Punjab for Himachal’s drug woes ‘baseless’
TNR Exclusive
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh has recently been making headlines for his forthright statements. He stands out as one of the few leaders willing to challenge party norms for the “greater good of the public”, speaking his mind with clarity, even at the risk of upsetting the high command. In an exclusive conversation with The Newz Radar’s senior journalist Munish Sood, Vikramaditya Singh openly discusses recent developments and shares his candid views on other matters.
Question: With the monsoon season now behind us in Himachal, how does your department plan to restore roads, bridges and repair the damage caused by the rains? What steps are being taken to bring the state back on track?
Answer: Despite lighter rains this season, several areas suffered considerable damage. The PWD will soon begin the necessary repairs, including road restoration, bridge construction and relief work for affected residents. We began addressing these issues after last year’s severe floods, but progress was halted during the monsoons. Now that the rains have subsided, work will resume at full speed.
I recently held a meeting with all district officers, instructing them to complete repairs on time, particularly in the most affected areas. I’ve also ordered Rs 20 crore worth of Bailey bridges for locations where previous structures were washed away. Additionally, a Rs 3 crore bridge is being built for Kunkatar in Mandi, and similar projects will follow across the state.
I’m also pleased to share some good news: all formalities for the fourth phase of the Prime Minister Grameen Sadak Yojana have been completed and we expect approval shortly. Under this plan, Himachal will receive funds for the construction of 2,800 km of roads.
We will connect villages with populations of 200 to 300 people, which currently lack road access, and will also upgrade unfinished roads from the earlier phase of the PMGSY-1. Whenever I visit Delhi, I meet with central ministers to discuss these initiatives, regardless of which party is in power. I’m happy to announce this through your platform today.
Question: Why, even after a year, have the two bridges in Mandi—Lal Bridge in Pandoh and Saprain Bridge—not been rebuilt after being washed away by the floods?
Answer: As I mentioned earlier, we’re currently building the Kunkatar bridge in Mandi, which will be inaugurated within six months. Regarding the Lal Bridge, we submitted a proposal under the Bharatmala Setu Yojana, but it wasn’t approved. We’ve now decided to fund its construction under the PMGSY, which includes provisions for “missing bridges.” The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, and once approved, work will begin immediately. I assure you both bridges will be completed soon.
Question: Several houses in the Tarna area above the Vishkarma Temple in Mandi remain at risk due to last season’s rains. Why has no action been taken there?
Answer: That area falls under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, not directly under my department. However, I’m aware of the situation and will discuss it with the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi soon to assess the next steps.
Question: There’s been a lot of talk in political circles that someone seems to have a soft spot for you, often mentioning your name in praise. I’m referring to the BJP—lately, they’ve been saying that Vikramaditya is right about everything. Are you aligning with their views in ways your party might not appreciate?
Answer: I speak in the best interest of the state, and I don’t shy away from expressing my views. I am a dedicated member of the Congress and its ideology is paramount to me. However, the welfare and development of the state are equally important. It’s possible that some people support my stance, while others may not, but that’s democracy. My goal is always clear and I remain committed to it.
Question: You’ve taken strong positions on sensitive issues like the mosque dispute, the street vendor policy and the registration of migrants. While your party wasn’t too pleased with these statements, the BJP supported you. What’s your take on this?
Answer: Everything I’ve said has been in the interest of the state and there’s no question of stepping outside party lines. I simply emphasised that all street vendors, whether local or from outside the state, should be registered. This isn’t just about outsiders — locals who set up stalls should also undergo proper registration.
Our civic authorities and police must have records so that in case of an emergency or law-and-order issue, these individuals can be traced. This isn’t about BJP or Congress, or even Himachali vs. non-Himachali. Laws should be applied equally to everyone.
As for the mosque dispute, it’s a shameful issue for the state. The construction didn’t happen overnight, and both the Congress and the BJP share responsibility. What’s important now is to calm the situation and move forward. Part of the tension stems from the fact that many street vendors haven’t been verified.
Question: Your suggestion was sound, yet it sparked an unnecessary controversy. Why?
Answer: I didn’t suggest putting a signboard on every stall, but verification is essential. In fact, even if I hadn’t brought it up, it’s already mandated by municipal bylaws that vendors display a nameplate. I’ve always been influenced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, who famously said that the nation’s security should never be compromised.
Question: After your statement, didn’t Congress’ Himachal incharge Rajeev Shukla clarify that there was no objection to your suggestion, but the problem was with the use of the word “Yogi”? Some in your party even claimed you were summoned to Delhi for speaking outside party lines.
Answer: There’s no such issue. I frequently travel to Delhi, and there’s no question of violating party lines. I speak my mind, and it has nothing to do with party politics. As for anyone’s objection to certain words, I’m not aware of that.
Question: The BJP doesn’t seem happy with your visits to the Centre or your meetings with central ministers. Why?
Answer: If we want funds for the state, we must engage with central ministers and seek their cooperation. And we’ve received substantial support in the past. Under the PMGSY-3, we secured Rs 3,500 crore, which is currently being utilised across the state. In Mandi district alone, projects worth Rs 600 cr are underway. Development is a priority and regardless of the NDA being in power at the Centre, it’s our duty to work with them for the benefit of the state.
Question: There’s growing speculation that several ministers and MLAs in your government are unhappy with the Chief Minister. Is there any truth to these rumors?
Answer: To my knowledge, there’s no truth to these claims.
Question: Some say that CM Sukhu is stubborn and doesn’t listen to anyone, making decisions solely based on his own preferences. What’s your take?
Answer: That’s not true at all. He listens to what I have to say, and my views are considered.
Question: Then who are the ministers and MLAs reportedly upset?
Answer: You’d have to ask those ministers directly.
Question: Kangana Ranaut recently claimed that drug trafficking in the state is being driven by individuals from a neighbouring state who enter on motorcycles, not only engaging in drug use but also causing a disturbance. How do you respond to this?
Answer: I don’t wish to respond to her baseless remarks because they lack substance. Even her own party distances itself from her statements, so I see no reason to comment.
Question: You’ve extended several invitations to Kangana to collaborate on the development of Mandi. Has she ever reached out to you?
Answer: I have always been open to working with her for the development of Mandi’s parliamentary constituency, but she has yet to contact me.
