SHIMLA-19/05/2026-Deputy Chief Whip, Kewal Singh Pathania while addressing a press conference here today expressed gratitude to the people of the state for the overwhelming support received by the Congress Party in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB's). He said that this public mandate is a clear endorsement of the welfare-oriented initiatives, development-focused policies and historic steps taken towards Vyavastha Parivartan under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

He said that as soon as Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assumed office, he made it clear that the government would not remain limited to routine administration, but would work towards bringing meaningful changes in the system. Over the past three and a half years, the state government has given top priority to public welfare by taking several landmark decisions, including the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, promotion of natural farming, expansion of self-employment schemes for youth, women empowerment initiatives, strengthening of healthcare services and major reforms in the education sector.

The Deputy Chief Whip said that under the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgar Startup Scheme, the government has allocated crores of rupees to make young people self-reliant. In addition, the support price for cow and buffalo milk has been increased to strengthen the economy of the farmers and livestock owners. He said that the introduction of English-medium education from Class 1 was a visionary and significant decision of the present state government.

He further said that the state government has done extensive improvements in the healthcare sector. Modern machines have been installed in various health institutions and advanced medical facilities are being provided to the public.

Referring to the various development projects underway in Kangra district, Kewal Singh Pathania said that the airport expansion project, tourism development initiatives, zipline projects and other infrastructure works would play an important role in strengthening the economy of the state and generating new employment opportunities for the local people. He said that under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, swift and continuous efforts are being made to develop Kangra as the tourism capital of the state.

He said that the Congress Party performed exceptionally well in the recently concluded Urban Local Bodies across the state. The victory of Congress-supported candidates in several Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayats reflects the satisfaction of the people with the policies and development works of the present state government. He said that these results are also positive signs for the upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections.

The Deputy Chief Whip further said that despite difficult financial conditions and fiscal challenges from the Central Government, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has continued development works and social security schemes without interruption. The government has given the highest priority to the welfare of employees, pensioners, farmers, women and youth.

He also expressed gratitude to the officers, employees, district administration, election officials and all staff associated with the election process, stating that their cooperation, dedication and impartial working style ensured the successful conduct of this festival of democracy.

Kewal Singh Pathania said that the mandate received in the ULB elections is a clear indication that the people of the state strongly stand with the development-oriented vision and welfare policies of the Congress government under the able and farsighted leadership of Thakur Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.