Shimla, March 9: A felicitation ceremony was held at Rajiv Bhavan to celebrate the election of senior Congress leader Anurag Sharma as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Addressing party workers at the event, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the occasion as a proud moment for the Congress organization, emphasizing that a dedicated grassroots worker has risen through the ranks to reach Parliament.
The Chief Minister stated that during the Rajya Sabha election process, the Congress high command had asked the state unit to recommend the names of four district presidents. From the suggested names, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi selected Anurag Sharma for the nomination. Sukhu said that despite comments and speculation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), there was no dissatisfaction within the Congress party regarding the decision, which is why Sharma was elected unopposed. The Chief Minister added that Sharma would now represent the party strongly in Parliament, where he would politically face BJP leader Anurag Thakur, remarking that “BJP’s Anurag will now face Congress’s Anurag in Parliament.”
Sukhu said that by granting a Rajya Sabha ticket to an ordinary party worker, Rahul Gandhi has sent a clear message that grassroots leaders will also be considered seriously for tickets in the next Assembly elections. He added that workers associated with the Congress organization, including those from National Students’ Union of India, should prepare themselves for future political responsibilities and challenges. The Chief Minister also highlighted that the current Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is moving forward with several public welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and improving social infrastructure.
Discussing education reforms, Sukhu announced that the state government plans to establish 150 CBSE-based schools across Himachal Pradesh, including in remote and backward regions. These institutions will focus on holistic development and quality education for students. Alongside these schools, the government is also setting up Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools to modernize the state’s education system. According to the Chief Minister, the government aims to transform the entire education sector in Himachal Pradesh within the next five to six years.
The Chief Minister further stated that improving healthcare services is another key priority of the state government. He said that advanced medical technologies similar to those available at AIIMS New Delhi will be introduced in health institutions across the state within a year. High-end diagnostic and treatment equipment is also being installed in hospitals to ensure that patients in Himachal Pradesh can receive world-class medical facilities within the state itself.
Sukhu also emphasized the importance of strengthening the rural economy, noting that nearly 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population lives in rural areas. The government, he said, is working to ensure that economic resources and development benefits reach villages so that rural residents can experience tangible improvements in their livelihoods.
Criticizing the previous BJP government, the Chief Minister alleged that it had caused financial damage to the state’s resources. He claimed that the previous administration received ₹54,000 crore under RDG and ₹16,000 crore as GST compensation, while the present government has received only ₹17,000 crore under RDG, which he said is nearly four times less. According to Sukhu, the previous government mismanaged state finances and left the treasury nearly empty. In contrast, he said the current government is providing Minimum Support Price to farmers, protecting the rights of horticulturists, labourers, and women, and implementing welfare schemes for orphaned children.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also addressed the gathering and said that a common Congress worker from Himachal Pradesh has now been sent to Delhi as a Member of Parliament. He noted that Anurag Sharma will face major responsibilities in the national capital and must strongly advocate for the interests and rights of Himachal Pradesh. Agnihotri further referred to the political developments during the alleged “Operation Lotus” attempt, stating that nine Congress MLAs had left the party earlier but the remaining legislators stayed united and defeated the effort. He asserted that 40 loyal Congress MLAs have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the government and the interests of the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister also remarked that those claiming they would repeat history in the Rajya Sabha elections did not even reach the Assembly complex to file their nominations. He accused Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur of attempting to block the state budget, while the Congress government continues working toward development despite financial challenges.
In his address, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress high command for giving him the opportunity to represent the state in Parliament. He said that receiving such a responsibility was beyond what he had ever imagined as a party worker. Sharma noted that the decision to nominate a grassroots worker has sent a positive message to Congress workers across the country and significantly boosted their morale.
Sharma described his election to the Rajya Sabha as a moment of great pride and pledged to work diligently to meet the expectations of the people of Himachal Pradesh. He also emphasized that he would make continuous efforts to promote tourism in the hill state and raise key development issues at the national level.
Expressing confidence about the future of the Congress party in the state, Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the party will return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections and aims to win all 15 seats in Kangra district.
On the occasion, several organizations honored Chief Minister Sukhu and Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma. The event was attended by Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs, former legislators, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various boards, district Congress presidents, senior party workers, and other dignitaries.
