SHIMLA -23rd November, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his heartfelt congratulations to senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi for her emphatic victory in the Wayanad by-election. He said that her record-breaking win marks a significant milestone in her electoral journey and will further strengthen the Congress party. The Chief Minister also congratulated senior leaders and party workers for their success in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, emphasizing their dedication and hard work.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister criticized the BJP for engaging in obstructionist rather than cooperative politics in Himachal Pradesh. He stated, “The BJP evades addressing public concerns and avoids discussing their five-year performance. Instead, they divert attention to matters like toilet tax and samosas. The public deserves to know why the standards of education and healthcare declined during their regime.” He said that his government is committed to fulfilling its promises and leading Himachal Pradesh on the path of development. “The people elect a government for five years, and democracy is the voice of the people. However, BJP is creating hurdles in the state’s progress,” he added.

The Chief Minister remarked that the BJP is divided into five factions, each led by Nadda, Anurag Thakur, Jairam Thakur, Rajeev Bindal, and a group of former Congress members who joined the BJP, now referred to as the “East India Company.” He stated that the opposition is not engaging in policy-based criticism but is instead targeting him personally. “Despite their efforts, the current state government is steadfast in its commitment to advancing Himachal Pradesh on the path of development. Over the past two years, the government has strengthened the state’s economy, which has become a source of concern for the opposition, he added.

Shri Sukhu asked former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur to explain why Himachal Pradesh fell to 21st place in qualitative education during the BJP’s tenure. He further pointed out that the current government has made significant strides, such as increasing MGNREGA wages by Rs. 60 and reinstating the old pension scheme for government employees.

“I want to assure everyone that we will take firm and decisive steps, which will yield positive results. We are moving towards a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh through Vyavstha Parivartan, the foundation for which has already been laid by the present government.”