Cong govt gears up for December 11 power show in Mandi

The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is preparing for a major political show of strength at the Jan Sankalp Sammelan slated for December 11 at Paddal Ground in Mandi district. With the event coinciding with the completion of three years of the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government, elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure strong public participation and smooth conduct of the programme.

To mobilise maximum attendance, the government is making extensive transportation arrangements for beneficiaries to reach at the event. In addition, Congress leaders from Mandi and neighbouring districts have been directed to bring supporters and party workers in large numbers, highlighting the party’s focus on strengthening its base in a district considered a BJP stronghold. Of the 10 Assembly constituencies in Mandi, the BJP won nine in the 2022 elections and retaining influence here remains a strategic priority for the ruling party.

Although the event is officially a government programme aimed to sharing the administration’s developmental roadmap, political overtones are evident. Beneficiaries of various schemes launched in the past three years will also share their experiences to help raise public awareness.

The state government has deputed Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh to oversee preparations in Mandi. Negi is scheduled to arrive today evening, while Anirudh Singh will reach on Tuesday. Both ministers will remain in the district until the event concludes, holding meetings with district officials and local Congress leaders to finalise the blueprint for the rally.

The government maintains that the sammelan’s primary purpose is to outline its vision for the next two years and beneficiaries will share their experiences. Sukhu has defended the choice of Mandi as the venue, countering opposition allegations that the programme is merely a celebration of the government’s three-year tenure. The BJP claims the event is politically motivated and timed to project the ruling party’s achievements.

This is the second major government event in Mandi within two months. Earlier, a similar programme was held to disburse financial aid to families affected by rain-related disasters. The frequency of such events underlines Mandi’s evolving political significance for the Congress, which is keen to expand its foothold in the region ahead of future electoral battles.

With preparations in full swing, the December 11 sammelan is expected to serve both administrative and political objectives, marking an important milestone in the ruling government’s governance narrative.