Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Celebrates 62nd Birthday with Festivities
Grand Birthday Celebrations in Shimla
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, marked his 62nd birthday with vibrant celebrations at his official residence, Oak Over, in Shimla. The event attracted numerous supporters from all over the state, featuring a massive 62-kilogram cake and lively traditional music along with cultural performances.
In a distinctive touch, supporters utilized a drone to shower flower petals on Sukhu, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife Kamlesh Thakur and daughter, engaged in the traditional ‘Nati’ dance alongside Kullu MLA Sundar Singh Thakur, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
Earlier that day, Sukhu participated in a marathon organized by the Secretariat Employees’ Union, promoting fitness and healthy living. An awareness walk was also part of the festivities, where he expressed his appreciation to government employees for their unwavering support.
During his address, Sukhu reiterated his administration's dedication to bolstering the economy of Himachal Pradesh. He stated, "The economic recovery process has commenced, and we expect significant improvements in the state's financial status within the next three to four months." He emphasized that the recently introduced budget aims to make Himachal self-sufficient and ensure that benefits reach the general populace.
The Chief Minister also requested cooperation from employees regarding delayed salaries, attributing the issue to the cessation of the Revenue Deficit Grant. He assured that his government is focused on maintaining fiscal discipline and long-term sustainability.
Sukhu highlighted reforms in the power sector, criticizing the previous BJP administration for providing excessive subsidies, even to large commercial entities like hotels. He mentioned, "We have streamlined the subsidy framework. Previously, ₹2,500 crore was spent annually, which has now been cut down to ₹1,200 crore. Our goal is to reduce it further to ₹800–1,000 crore while making electricity more affordable for residents."
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Sukhu shared that his life has been shaped by various struggles, which he considers his greatest strength. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Himachal Pradesh for their ongoing support and blessings.
In a gesture of goodwill, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur sent birthday wishes to Sukhu, wishing him good health and longevity while invoking the blessings of Lord Ram.
The festivities at Oak Over not only celebrated Sukhu’s political ascent from student leader to Chief Minister but also served as a platform for him to reaffirm his vision for a financially robust and self-reliant Himachal Pradesh.