Interview/ Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, chief minister, Himachal Pradesh
SUKHVINDER SINGH SUKHU used to run a milk counter in Chhota Shimla, a pine-covered suburb of Shimla, to finance his studies. He started at the lowest rungs of the Congress and rose through the ranks to become chief minister two decades later. With the Congress now re-wiring its organisation, he is betting on the party’s revamped state machinery to retain power in the hill state. In an exclusive interview, Sukhu talks about his government’s key challenges, the factionalism in the party, the friction with the Centre and the state’s financials. Excerpts:
Q/ What are your government’s achievements, and what remains your priority?
A/ From day one, our government had just one slogan: system change. Initially, many within the system said it was impossible. They believed governance had to continue the way it had for the last 40 years—slow, rigid and disconnected from people’s realities. We challenged that thinking. System change means questioning outdated rules, changing laws that harm ordinary citizens and making governance responsive. Earlier, files would move endlessly between departments. We broke that inertia. Decision-making has become faster and more humane.
For instance, during the recent disaster, officials initially told me that under existing rules, only Rs1.5 lakh could be given to families whose houses were destroyed. I asked them a simple question: ‘Can anyone build even one room with that amount?’ We changed the rule.
We announced the largest disaster relief package in the country: Rs7 lakh for house construction and Rs1 lakh for essentials for each affected family. We also arranged rent support and food assistance. This is what system change looks like.
Q/ Factionalism is often cited as a major challenge within the Congress, including in Himachal Pradesh.
A/ I don’t agree that factionalism currently exists in Himachal Pradesh. There can be differences of opinion; that is natural in any democratic party. But organised factions do not exist today. When I became chief minister, there was turbulence. Some leaders were over-ambitious, others were dissatisfied because everyone cannot be accommodated as ministers. That led to desertions. But that phase is over.
Today, there is stability. Compare this with the BJP, which is divided into multiple groups and requires frequent intervention from central leaders. In the Himachal Congress, disagreements exist, but factionalism does not define governance anymore.
Q/ The Congress has introduced a new system for appointing district presidents. Some senior leaders seem unhappy about it.
A/ I strongly support it. I have led the organisation at different levels, and know how lobbies form. Earlier, state presidents would often build teams based on loyalty rather than merit, which damaged the cadre. The new system reduces local pressure, increases transparency, and provides multiple options for selection. Our politics is organisation-driven now. Observers from outside assess performance, which ensures fairness.
Q/ What challenges do you face from the Centre?
A/ There are three major challenges. First, bills passed by the assembly often remain stuck at Raj Bhavan for long periods. Even routine legislation faces unnecessary delays.
Second, financial dependence has increased. Many central schemes are conditional, and hill states face unique difficulties that flat-land policies do not address.
Third, policies for hill states need to be distinct. Building a kilometre of road or implementing water schemes costs three to four times more here. Yet allocations do not reflect that reality.
I raised these issues before the 16th Finance Commission. Himachal’s resources, water, forests and tourism benefit the entire country, yet we receive little compensation.
Q/ The BJP says that you have squandered central funds?
A/ No special relief package has been provided. The Centre announced a post-disaster needs assessment of Rs9,300 crore, but after delays and inflation, its actual value has reduced significantly. We receive only partial assistance.
Climate change is accelerating in the Himalayas. What is happening here today will affect the plains tomorrow. This requires a national policy response, not political arguments.
The GST is consumer-based. Himachal’s population is around 7.5 million and declining. Before GST, we earned nearly Rs4,000 crore a year through excise, especially from pharmaceuticals. Today, despite producing 35 per cent of Asia’s pharmaceutical output, we receive only Rs150-200 crore. This has drained our treasury. Production states like Himachal have lost out, while consumption-heavy states benefit. This imbalance must be corrected.
Q/ Tourism and connectivity remain critical.
A/ Himachal did not get a proper airport even after 75 years. Consequently, we raised Rs3,000 crore ourselves. The Kangra-Dharamshala airport is being expanded. We are developing heliports and improving tourism infrastructure. The mindset that governed Himachal for 40 years has changed—first within the administration, then in political leadership—while ensuring environment protection.
Q/ Drug abuse has become a concern in northern India. How serious is the problem in Himachal?
A/ We take it very seriously. We launched a state-wide awareness campaign against chitta (heroin). Panchayats have been categorised as red, yellow and green zones. We identified school-age children as the most vulnerable group and focused our campaign accordingly. Awareness, rehabilitation and strict action against suppliers are our three pillars. We have implemented stringent laws, including preventive detention.