Key Facts
On International Yoga Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government will bid to host the Khelo India National Games. He made the statement while addressing a state-level event at the synthetic track ground in Anu, Hamirpur district. The event was organized by the Aayush Department and saw participation from around two thousand people, including ministers, MLAs, and Congress leaders.
Details of the Event
CM Sukhu, along with Aayush, Law, Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvindra Goma, MLA Suresh Kumar, Captain Ranjit Rana, Congress district president Suman Bharati Sharma, and Dr. Pushpendra Verma, performed yoga at the event. The Chief Minister lit the ceremonial lamp and released a yoga strategy document. He congratulated everyone on Yoga Day, saying, "Yoga shows our tradition and inspires a healthy life."
Sports Development in Lower Himachal
CM Sukhu emphasized that the government is continuously working to promote sports in lower Himachal. He noted that districts like Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Una have ample sports facilities. "The Himachal government will present its bid to host the Khelo India National Games," he said. He also mentioned the Drug-Free Himachal campaign, stating that the second phase focuses on raising awareness against drugs, with yoga playing a key role.
Medical College Controversy
Later, CM Sukhu inspected the under-construction medical college in Jolsappad and laid the foundation stone for a critical care block. He asserted that the medical college was a legacy of the UPA government and that the current Congress government has provided the state's share of the budget. He criticized MP Anurag Thakur, saying, "Anurag Thakur should not take false credit for the medical college." Sukhu pointed out that Thakur has been an MP for 20 years and should accept the truth. The project was approved in 2014 with ₹189 crore from the Centre, but the cost has now risen to nearly ₹500 crore, with the additional funds provided by the state government. The college will shift to the Jolsappad campus between 5 and 10 July. It will feature world-class labs, robotic surgery, and facilities akin to AIIMS Delhi. ₹150 crore has been approved for upgrading labs across all five medical colleges in the state. Sukhu also took a dig at Union Minister JP Nadda, stating that the JICA agreement for ₹3000 crore has not yet been signed, and Nadda should be aware of this.
Political Exchanges on OPS
Responding to Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur's remarks on OPS, CM Sukhu said, "BJP will close OPS." He claimed that the BJP has no answer on OPS and that the state government will work on extending OPS to other employees as finances improve. On the delay in elections for district council chairpersons, Sukhu dismissed Thakur's comments, saying Thakur is "in some dream." He noted that during the BJP's tenure, eight to nine district councils were under BJP control, but the Congress won the assembly elections. He added that the Congress is a government of the common people, unlike the BJP which, after 12 years, stopped MGNREGA and army recruitment. On JP Nadda's statement about central funds, Sukhu clarified that funds are released under the tied system, and there is nothing new.
FAQ
When will Himachal bid to host Khelo India National Games?
Chief Minister Sukhu announced that the state government will present its bid to host the Khelo India National Games, likely in 2026.
What did CM Sukhu say about the medical college in Jolsappad?
CM Sukhu said the medical college was approved during the UPA era and accused Anurag Thakur of taking false credit. He added that the college will shift to Jolsappad campus between 5-10 July.
What is CM Sukhu's stance on OPS?
CM Sukhu claimed that BJP will close OPS and that the state government will consider extending OPS to other employees as finances improve.