PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh Unveils Congress Vision for Mandi MC Polls, Announces Rs. 180 Crore Development Blueprint.

Shimla:

Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday launched the Congress party’s campaign for the upcoming Mandi Municipal Corporation elections with a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while unveiling a comprehensive urban development roadmap worth Rs. 180 crore for the city.

Addressing a press conference in Mandi, the minister said the Congress was contesting the civic elections with a “positive vision, development agenda and people-centric approach” and expressed confidence that the party would form the next Municipal Corporation in the historic town.

He stated that the Congress leadership had carefully selected candidates after detailed consultations with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Deputy Chief Minister, state party leadership and senior Congress functionaries.

According to Vikramaditya Singh, the party has fielded socially active and grassroots-oriented candidates, including teachers, social workers and individuals closely connected with public issues.

“The Congress party has made every effort to field candidates who are connected to society and capable of addressing the concerns of the people. All candidates have filed their nominations and the campaign will now gain momentum across all wards of Mandi Municipal Corporation,” he said.

He added that senior Congress leaders, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, party in-charges and other senior leaders, would campaign extensively in Mandi in the coming days.

BJP Failed to Deliver in Five Years: Vikramaditya

Launching a direct attack on the BJP, the Urban Development Minister questioned the party over replacing several sitting representatives, including the incumbent Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors.

He said if the BJP-led Municipal Corporation had truly delivered significant development during its tenure, the party would not have been compelled to deny tickets to 11 sitting representatives.

“If their performance over the last five years was as successful as they claim, then why did they remove tickets of sitting councillors, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor? This itself raises serious questions about their functioning,” he remarked.

However, Vikramaditya Singh said Congress did not want to fight the elections merely through criticism and political confrontation.

“We want to contest these elections on issues, development and a positive agenda for the future of Mandi city,” he said.

Rs. 180 Crore Urban Development Projects Approved for Mandi

Highlighting the Congress government’s urban development plans, the minister announced that projects worth approximately Rs. 180 crore had been sanctioned for Mandi Municipal Corporation.

He said the projects had received support from both the state and central governments and would significantly strengthen civic infrastructure in the town.

Referring to his recent visit to Delhi, Vikramaditya Singh said he held discussions with Union Urban Development authorities regarding urban infrastructure funding for Himachal Pradesh.

He revealed that nearly Rs. 1,200 crore had been approved for urban local bodies in the state under the Urban Challenge Fund, out of which Rs. 180 crore worth of projects had been earmarked for Mandi.

“I am speaking on the basis of sanctioned figures and approved projects. Mandi has received projects worth Rs. 180 crore and these works will begin once the election process concludes,” he said.

Indira Market Redevelopment Among Top Priorities

The minister said one of the most significant projects under the proposed urban development plan would be the redevelopment of Indira Market, one of the busiest commercial hubs of Mandi.

He noted that local traders, students and residents had consistently raised concerns regarding poor sewerage and drainage systems in the market area.

“The revitalisation and complete revamping of Indira Market has been placed as the top priority under this project,” he stated.

Panchvaktra Temple Ghat and Riverfront Development Planned

The Urban Development Minister also announced plans for developing a riverfront ghat near the historic Panchvaktra Temple as part of efforts to strengthen religious tourism infrastructure in Mandi.

He praised the district administration and local leaders for successfully organising grand evening aarti programmes during the recent Shivratri festival and said the government now intended to make the site more attractive and accessible for devotees and tourists.

“We want to develop a proper ghat and undertake beautification works around the temple area to enhance the spiritual and cultural identity of Mandi,” he said.

Beautification of Bus Stand and PPP Investment Plan

Vikramaditya Singh further announced plans to modernize and beautify the Mandi bus stand area.

Although the facility falls under HRTC, he said it serves passengers from across Himachal Pradesh and therefore requires better infrastructure, landscaping and green development initiatives.

The minister said the government would also explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investments to improve commercial viability and infrastructure standards in the area.

Indoor Sports Complex Proposed to Engage Youth

Emphasizing the importance of sports infrastructure, the minister said the state government was planning to push for a modern indoor sports complex and stadium in Mandi.

He said sports facilities were essential to channelize youth energy positively and combat the growing problem of drug abuse among young people.

“We want our youth to move towards sports such as badminton, volleyball, kabaddi, athletics and other indoor games. Strong sports infrastructure is necessary for building a healthier society,” he said.

Congress Committed to Completing Shivdham Project

Vikramaditya Singh reiterated that the Congress government remained committed to completing the Shivdham project, which was initiated during the previous BJP government.

He said the current government had continued budgetary support for the project through Asian Development Bank funding because governments function with continuity and public projects should benefit the people irrespective of political differences.

“We do not want Shivdham to become a white elephant project. We want it to emerge as a major cultural and religious destination for Mandi, which is known as Chhoti Kashi,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that a proposal worth around Rs. 15 crore had been prepared for an elevator or escalator connectivity project linking Mandi town with Shivdham.

However, he clarified that the final implementation would depend on a detailed assessment of economic viability and tourist volume.

“We do not want to make unrealistic promises. The project will move ahead only after examining whether it is financially sustainable and practical,” he added.

Congress Confident of Forming Municipal Corporation

Expressing confidence in the Congress party’s prospects, Vikramaditya Singh said the party’s local and senior leadership would collectively work to secure victory in the Municipal Corporation elections.

He said each Congress candidate had been instructed to identify at least five priority issues in their respective wards so that focused development plans could be implemented after the formation of the Municipal Corporation.

Senior Congress leaders, including former ministers, local legislators and party office-bearers, would actively participate in the campaign, he added.

“With the blessings of the people and local deities, Congress will create history in Mandi,” the minister asserted.