MANDI: During the ongoing campaign for the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday issued a sharp response to a recent call made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister expressed his firm belief that imposing restrictions on personal traditions, particularly the purchase of gold, is entirely inappropriate for a country like India.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that gold is not merely a metal in the Indian context; it is deeply intertwined with the cultural and social fabric of the nation. He pointed out that buying gold is a tradition that spans generations and is considered an essential part of weddings and other auspicious ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh and across the country. He argued that any attempt to curb these personal choices and cultural beliefs goes against the fundamental democratic values of the nation.
Beyond the cultural significance, the Chief Minister also highlighted the economic impact of such statements. He stated that the gold jewelry business provides employment to thousands of goldsmiths and workers. Sukhu argued that any restriction on this trade would serve as a direct blow to the livelihoods of common citizens who depend on this industry for their daily survival. He questioned the logic behind stopping people from exercising their freedom of choice in a free India.
“In a free India, it is not right to say who should be stopped from doing what,” Sukhu remarked during the interaction. He further added that only the Prime Minister could clarify the true intent or motive behind making such an appeal to the public. These comments from the Chief Minister come at a time when the political atmosphere is charged with intense debates between the ruling party and the opposition over various economic policies.
Shifting the focus to administrative discipline, Chief Minister Sukhu welcomed the recent decision to reduce the number of vehicles in the Himachal Pradesh Governor’s convoy. However, he was quick to point out that his government has been proactive in cutting down wasteful expenditure and promoting the limited use of resources. He shared that he personally uses a small electric car for his travels, which significantly reduces operational costs compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.
The Chief Minister provided details on the strict economic measures his administration has implemented to ensure fiscal discipline. He noted that his government has already significantly reduced the size of ministerial convoys, including his own. Furthermore, he highlighted that the state has introduced temporary salary cuts, with a 30 percent reduction for ministers and a 20 percent reduction for MLAs, as part of a broader effort to make the state financially self-reliant.
Sukhu did not hold back in his criticism of the previous BJP government, accusing them of gross financial mismanagement. He alleged that thousands of crores of rupees were wasted during the previous tenure on the construction of buildings that currently serve no purpose. He described this as a massive waste of public money that has contributed to the state’s current financial challenges.
A major point of contention raised by the Chief Minister was the pending relief package from the Central Government. Sukhu stated that Prime Minister Modi had previously announced a ₹1500 crore relief package for Himachal Pradesh, but the state is yet to receive a single rupee. He questioned the silence of local BJP leaders on this matter and asserted that his government knows how to fight for and secure the state’s rightful share of funds.
Addressing a local administrative issue, the Chief Minister clarified the government’s stance on the High Court’s stay regarding the shifting of the Gynae ward from Kamala Nehru Hospital (KNH) in Shimla. He explained that the decision to move the ward to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) was based on a request from doctors to facilitate advanced ‘robotic surgery’ facilities. He assured that the government would study the High Court’s order in detail before deciding on the next course of action.
