The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asserted on Monday that the BJP attempted to overthrow his government using monetary means, but he assured that the Congress will complete its full term and retain power in 2027.
Addressing a rally in Shimla, Sukhu highlighted that his government restored the old pension system in the very first cabinet meeting and curbed corrupt practices. He criticized the BJP for failing to support the people of Himachal Pradesh during last year’s monsoon disaster.
“The film of Sukhu government would go for another three and half years and part two will come in 2027,” Sukhu said, accusing the BJP of trying to topple his government using money power.
Earlier in the day, Sukhu accompanied Congress candidate Vinod Sultanpuri in the Shimla (SC) Lok Sabha constituency as Sultanpuri filed his nomination. Speaking to reporters afterward, Sukhu emphasized the significance of this election, describing it as a fight to save democracy and guide the country’s politics.
Sitting BJP MP Suresh Kashyap also filed his nomination for the Shimla seat on Monday. At a subsequent rally at Chaura Maidan, Sukhu reiterated his confidence that the Congress would be re-elected in 2027.
In the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, Union Minister Anurag Thakur submitted his nomination papers, accompanied by senior BJP leaders, including his father and former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, and his brother Arun Dhumal, the chairman of the Indian Premier League. Thakur, who is seeking a fifth term in the Lok Sabha, expressed confidence that there was no anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP and predicted a sweeping victory for the party with over 400 seats.
“The Congress is responsible for the decline. It is struggling to win even 40 seats in the Lok Sabha, whereas the BJP has the highest number of MPs and mayors across the country,” Thakur said. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a symbol of confidence, honesty, commitment, and guarantee, and stated that the BJP is fighting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with Modi’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.’
Before filing his nomination, Thakur paid obeisance at the temple of Maa Awahdevi and addressed people at several locations. Hundreds of party functionaries and locals greeted him with garlands and good wishes.
Polling in all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh will take place on June 1, the last of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Bypolls to six assembly seats in the state, which became vacant following the disqualification of rebel Congress MLAs, will be held simultaneously.
