Shimla:

Addressing a press conference today in Mandi, Pawan Thakur, former Congress candidate from Sarkaghat in Mandi district, hailed the State Budget 2025 presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as a landmark step towards inclusive development, rural empowerment, and employment generation. Thakur said the budget reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of every section of society, especially farmers, youth, and grassroots workers.

Speaking to media persons, Pawan Thakur said the Chief Minister has taken several bold and welfare-centric decisions that aim to uplift the rural economy and improve the livelihoods of the common people. He highlighted that special attention has been given to government employees, farmers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, panchayat chowkidars, and Panchayati Raj representatives, making it a people-first budget.

Thakur lauded the introduction of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for natural farming crops like wheat, maize and turmeric, calling it a visionary step that will not only support sustainable agriculture but also increase farmers’ income. “This shows the government’s long-term vision for rural prosperity and environmental protection,” he said.

He also welcomed the increase in milk procurement prices, which he said will greatly benefit cattle farmers and boost animal husbandry in the state.

On the issue of employment, Thakur pointed out that over 25,000 youth have already been provided jobs in the past two years, and the new budget aims to further strengthen job creation in both government and private sectors.

Slamming the opposition, Pawan Thakur said, “Instead of discussing important policy matters, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur is busy raising petty issues like samosa and jangli murga. The people of Himachal are watching, and they know who is serious about governance.”

He also targeted BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut for her remarks against Congress and said she should clear whether she abused her grand father, who was a staunch Congress leader.

Thakur further emphasised that despite limited financial resources, the CM Sukhu-led government has managed to generate over Rs 3,000 crore in revenue in just two years, showcasing effective financial management and visionary leadership. “The Chief Minister has taken tough but necessary decisions for the long-term economic stability of the state,” he added.

He concluded by calling the budget a comprehensive and development-oriented plan that lays the foundation for a self-reliant, progressive, and welfare-driven Himachal Pradesh.

On this occasion, he was accompanied by HPMC Director Joginder Guleria, Councillor Darshan Thakur, Congress leaders like Dr. Chander Shekhar, Anil Sen, Hem Singh Thakur and Brahmdas Chauhan.