Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jai Ram Thakur over his allegations that temple trust funds were being "misused" for the Sukh Ashray scheme.
The Himachal Pradesh CM stated that the authorities have been directed to open the gates for one of the power project dams as heavy downpours gripped the Kullu valley, causing floods and landslides in the district.
Patil, who is on a two-day visit to Himachal Pradesh, was also welcomed by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Congress leaders Pratibha Singh and Vidit Chaudhary, cabinet ministers and other senior party leaders.
Chairing a meeting at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister stated that the state government is committed to providing accountable and transparent governance to the people of the state. He said that the present state government has taken numerous steps in this direction over the past two years
The week-long International Shivratri Mahotsav-2025 of Mandi commenced on Thursday with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu formally inaugurating the festivities at the historic Paddal Ground in Mandi.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for nine development projects worth Rs 46.82 crore in Mandi, benefiting the Drang and Sadar assembly constituencies, said a press statement.
The Chief Minister discussed the adoption of modern technology in medical colleges and stated that the state government would "provide all possible assistance to strengthen these institutions".
"From time immemorial people have been celebrating the Shivratri festivity with great enthusiasm and fervour. Himachal Pradesh is known as the abode of Lord Shiva, the Shivratri Mahotsav celebrated at various places in the state have their own significance," Sukhu said.
Himachal CM emphasized that Mahakumbh reflects India's rich culture and deep-rooted faith in age-old traditions. He highlighted the prominence of Indian culture since ancient times, as recorded in history.
The opposition has accused the CM of undertaking a foreign trip at the expense of the government, but Thakur dismissed these claims, saying that the BJP's remarks reflect a narrow mindset.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh said, "I am very happy that I got to opportunity to come here and take a holy dip in the Mahakumbh along with my family. India's culture and Hindutva have always been world-famous."
In a significant step towards enhancing tourism in Kullu district, the Himachal government has approved the construction of an Aerial Ropeway from Kullu Bus Stand to Peej Paragliding Point with an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore.