Himachal CM Oath Taking Ceremony HIGHLIGHTS: PM Modi, Dalai Lama Congratulate Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
Himachal CM Oath-Taking Ceremony Live: Stay tuned to this page for all the latest updates and breaking news on CM designate Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's oath-taking ceremony in Himachal Pradesh.
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Background
Himachal CM Oath-Taking Ceremony Live: The name of Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, a four-time MLA from Nadaun in Hamirpur district, was announced by central observers Saturday evening, ending the suspense over the choice of Himachal Pradesh chief minister. Mukesh Agnihotri, a five-time MLA and opposition leader in the previous assembly, was approved for the position of deputy CM.
The Congress' central observers, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and former Haryana CM Bhupendra Hooda, as well as Himachal in-charge Rajiv Shukla, met Sukhu, Agnihotri, and Pratibha Singh before the CLP meeting at the Vidhan Sabha.
Sukhu and Agnihotri went straight to Governor Rajinder Arlekar after the CLP meeting and pressed their claim to lead the government.
The ceremony will take place at the historic Ridge at 1.30 pm on Sunday.
The unveiling of the new CM was accompanied by high drama, as archrivals Sukhu and Pratibha Singh were adamant and central observers struggled to reach an agreement.
Pratibha Singh supporters chanted and even blocked the gate of the hotel where the observers were having talks. They demanded that Pratibha Singh be appointed CM and that the legacy of six-time CM Virbhadra Singh not be overlooked. They also chanted chants against the party's leadership.
Pratibha Singh constantly stated that the election was won in Virbhadra Singh's name and that his legacy should not be overlooked. During the elections, she said she travelled the entire state and spoke at gatherings in every constituency.
After the results were announced and the contest for leadership heated up, the party's infighting came to the fore. Even after the CLP passed a resolution authorising AICC president Malikarjun Kharge to choose the leader, intense campaigning for the top position continued.
Sukhu declared immediately after the CLP meeting that the Congress is unified and will create a stable government, and that, in addition to the 40 MLAs in the 68-member House, three independents have also expressed support for the government.
Sukhu stated that his government would carry out all of the party's commitments and asked for everyone's support. Following his discussion with the governor, he contacted outgoing Chief Minister Jairam Thakur.
Sukhu will be the second chief minister from Hamirpur district in Himachal's lower hills and the first Congress chief minister from merged territories. The first was Prem Kumar Dhumal, a renowned BJP leader who served as Chief Minister twice.
The Congress party ousted the BJP, winning 40 of the 68 seats, as the state elected to keep the "Riwaz," or tradition, of changing the administration every five years. The BJP received 25 seats, while independents received three. The AAP came up empty.
While Chief Minister Jairam Thakur received a record 36,000 votes, the margin of victory in eight seats was less than 1,000 votes, with the Congress winning the Bhorang SC) seat by the narrowest margin of 60 votes.
Himachal CM Oath Taking Ceremony: PM Modi, Dalai Lama Congratulate Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
PM Narendra Modi and Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama have congratulated Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on becoming Himachal Pradesh's new Chief Minister.
Why Do You Take Rahul Gandhi Seriously, Asks Union Minister
Why do you all take Rahul Gandhi seriously, all institutions are working well, if not how we (BJP) lost in Himachal Pradesh. Whenever they (Congress) are defeated they blame it on institutions (Election Commission): Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubli. (ANI)
Karnataka | Why do you all take Rahul Gandhi seriously, all institutions are working well, if not how we (BJP) lost in Himachal Pradesh. Whenever they (Congress) is defeated they blame it on institutions (Election Commission): Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubli pic.twitter.com/6cSPQeCViT
— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2022
We have stopped BJP's 'rath, Old Pension Scheme will be restored: Deputy CM after taking oath
"We will deliver on our promises to the public in the first Cabinet meeting. The Old Pension Scheme will be restored...Earlier people said Congress will not come to power in any state, but today we have stopped BJP's 'rath'": Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, as quoted by ANI.
We want to implement whatever we have promised: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi
"We want to implement whatever we have promised as soon as possible": Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in Shimla, as quoted by ANI.
Congress leader Mukesh Agnihotri takes oath as Deputy CM
Congress leader Mukesh Agnihotri takes oath as the deputy chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, ANI reported.