“Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Hits Back at BJP: ‘Not in an Alto—Congress Will Return in a 52-Seater Volvo’”

The Himachal Pradesh Government marked its third anniversary with a major show of strength in Mandi today, where Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared that the Congress would return to power in 2027 with an even bigger mandate. Responding to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s remark that an “Alto would be enough to carry Congress MLAs,” Sukhu said the party would be “returning in a 52-seater Volvo.”

AICC in-charge for Himachal Rajni Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, ministers and senior Congress leaders attended the event.

Addressing the Jan Sankalp Sammelan, Sukhu accused the Central Government of failing to extend adequate support after two major natural disasters struck Himachal during his tenure. He said that although the Central team had assessed losses at ₹9,300 crore, the Centre announced only ₹2,000 crore under the Post Disaster Need Assessment—and that the state had received just ₹451 crore so far. “The Centre has been trying to tie our hands,” he said.

Sukhu asserted that his government arranged a ₹4,500-crore relief package from its own resources and substantially increased compensation norms. He accused the previous BJP government of leaving Himachal in deep financial distress with a ₹75,000-crore debt, forcing the current government to borrow further just to service past loans.

He also accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by purchasing Congress MLAs. “The people of Himachal have given a fitting reply by bringing our numbers back to 40,” he said.

Sukhu cited recent revenue-enhancing decisions as evidence of improved financial management, including a legal victory in the Wildflower Hall case and an increase in royalty from the Karcham-Wangtoo hydro project from 12% to 18%. “We earned ₹450 crore in excise revenue in one year—equal to what the BJP earned in four years,” he added.

Highlighting welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister said the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana—through which orphaned children are legally adopted as “children of the state”—reflects the compassionate character of his government. He said the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme was also driven by concern for the long-term security of employees.

Calling for continued public support, Sukhu said the Congress aims to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state within the next two years. “Together, we will transform the destiny and the image of Himachal Pradesh,” he said.

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