Amidst uproar on unfulfilled poll promises, Sukhu pushes six welfare schemes

Amidst Opposition’s uproar over unfulfilled poll guarantees, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu seems undeterred and unfazed, advancing his agenda with six new welfare schemes.

These initiatives reflect his optimism to celebrate Himachal Pradesh's self-reliance in 2027 under his ambitious “Vyavastha Parivartan" strategy — an undeniably tough target.

BJP offensive

The BJP has intensified its criticism of the state government as Himachal BJP leaders submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla alleging the government’s failures. The party highlighted 18 purported corruption scandals under the Congress' two-year rule.

Selection of venue

To celebrate two years of the government, a rally was held in Bilaspur, drawing supporters from various districts. The absence of central Congress leaders like AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi due to parliamentary obligations was notable.

Political observers suggest Sukhu’s choice of Bilaspur — BJP national president JP Nadda’s hometown — was deliberate. He used the platform to counter the BJP’s criticism and highlight his government’s achievements which had been supported by a weeklong extensive advertisements in local, regional and national media.

The rally also served as a counter to "Operation Lotus", a Nadda-sponsored against the Congress government, which celebrated the bypoll results where four of six Congress rebels and two of three independents lost which preceded their disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Next move

The next political showdown may be witnessed during the Vidhan Sabha session starting December 18 in Dharamshala. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania may disqualify nine BJP MLAs accused of disrupting the March session. Though it is the prerogative of the chair to take final decision in such a matter.

'Akrosh Rallies'

To counter Sukhu’s claims, the BJP recently launched state-wide "Akrosh Rallies", criticising the non-fulfillment of poll guarantees. The BJP said the state’s debt had risen to Rs 97,000 crore and might exceed Rs 1.5 lakh crore by the end of Sukhu’s term. BJP leaders’ sharp criticism aims to mobilise public sentiment, portraying the Sukhu administration as inefficient. The BJP is rallying grassroots support to build momentum for the future battle.

Sukhu and his cabinet have countered BJP’s allegations by emphasising achievements such as fulfilling poll guarantees. The government blames previous the BJP regime for pushing the state in financial distress.

State-Centre relations:

The Sukhu government has accused the Centre of bias, withholding funds critical for the state's development. This political standoff threatens progress, with both sides reluctant to relent. The impasse risks derailing key projects and welfare programmes.

As Sukhu advances his agenda, political confrontation between the state government and BJP-led center is poised to escalate. With the Congress and state BJP preparing for legislative battles and public mobilisation, Himachal’s political landscape remains charged.

Sukhu’s ability to deliver on promises will define his government’s legacy by 2027.

- The writer is a political analyst and columnist based in Shimla