“Himachal Dy CM Accuses Bureaucrats of Sabotage, Demands Tough Action to Protect State Government”

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri delivered a forceful critique of both the state bureaucracy and the BJP today, alleging that certain officials were colluding with opposition leaders to destabilise the Congress government. Speaking before a large crowd at the Jan Sankalp Sammelan at Paddal Ground in Mandi, Agnihotri urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take decisive action against such officers.

He claimed that “some officials regularly visit the homes of BJP leaders to plot conspiracies,” adding that this behaviour would no longer be tolerated. “Such officers will be dealt with even in the darkness of night. The government will take strict action,” he warned. Addressing the Chief Minister directly, he added, “This cannot continue. If you must deal with such elements, do it firmly—hold the stick with both hands.”

Calling for greater clarity within the government, Agnihotri said that with two years remaining in the administration’s term, “authority and responsibility must be assigned clearly to those who deserve them.” He further stated that individuals who spread misinformation would also face stern consequences. Describing himself as a “contented man,” he said that anyone attempting to undermine him “will be destroyed.”

Agnihotri credited the Congress for building Himachal Pradesh, saying the state exists “because of the Congress and the people.” He highlighted the role of the Nehru–Gandhi family in securing statehood for Himachal, while alleging that the BJP “has always been anti-Himachal.” Remembering former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, he said Congress governments consistently prioritized development.

He accused BJP leaders of working against the state’s interests, claiming they “go to Delhi to block Himachal’s dues.” He also alleged that despite Prime Ministerial announcements being binding, the Central Government had withheld crucial assistance. Referring to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), he said the Centre was trying to dismantle it, while the state government was committed to safeguarding it. “We will pass a law to ensure OPS for employees,” he said, blaming the BJP for the state’s financial troubles.

Agnihotri said that despite fiscal constraints, the Congress government had performed well. He noted that HRTC employees received 36 months of pending salaries and pensions, 9,000 employees were reinstated under OPS, and pension claims worth ₹150 crore were cleared. He also alleged that ₹1,200 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission was being withheld by the Centre.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the Bulk Drug Park project, he issued a strict warning to the bureaucracy, insisting the project must be completed within two years. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling all guarantees, including the ₹1,500 assistance scheme and 300 units of free electricity.

Agnihotri concluded that the government was prepared to counter criticism on social media and reiterated that “every promise made to the people will be fulfilled.”

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