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Shimla, July 4
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will return with fewer seats in the 2027 Assembly elections than it currently holds, saying voters—not political slogans—decide who forms the government.
Speaking after attending a Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee meeting in Shimla on Saturday, Sukhu dismissed questions about the BJP’s “Mission Repeat” campaign, saying electoral outcomes are determined by the public.
“In a democracy, there is no mission repeat. The people decide who will form the government,” he said.
The chief minister described the Congress meeting as an important strategy session, where party leaders discussed plans to counter what he called the BJP’s “false allegations” and take issues, including the controversy over alleged theft of Ram Temple donation funds, to the public.
Responding to reports of differences between Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Kinnaur District Congress president Nigam Bhandari, Mr Sukhu said there was no personal rift between the two leaders.
He said Negi had expressed his views and that differences of opinion were natural within a political party, but insisted there was no bitterness. The two leaders would meet to discuss the matter and decide the way forward, he added.
On the long-awaited cabinet expansion, Sukhu said one ministerial post remained vacant and would eventually be filled, although the timing would be decided by the Congress high command.
He said the party’s Political Affairs Committee is expected to meet in Dharamshala on 16 and 17 July, with Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal scheduled to attend. However, he said the final programme would depend on weather conditions.
Commenting on allegations relating to Ram Temple donation funds, Sukhu said Lord Ram was revered by all and that those found guilty of misusing money collected in his name should face strict action.
He noted that the Himachal Pradesh government had declared a public holiday during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla, adding that anyone responsible for wrongdoing in the donation case should not be spared.
