He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the week long International Shivratri Mahotsav that commenced in this temple town here with great fervor at the historic Paddal Ground.
Amidst traditional rituals and vibrant celebrations, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife Kamlesh Thakur, paid homage at the revered Shri Raj Madhav Rai Temple before joining the lively Shobha Yatra Jaleb.
Embraced by thousands of devotees adorned in traditional attire, the procession, carrying palanquins of local deities, made its way to the Paddal ground, where the Chief Minister partook in the turban ceremony and offered prayers at the temple.
Addressing a massive gathering at Paddal, the Chief Minister announced a 10 percent increase in the Nazarana of deities and a 10 percent hike in the honorarium of the Bajantris, acknowledging the deep-rooted faith of the people in local deities and the significance of their worship.
Expressing concern over political maneuvering, the Chief Minister criticized the BJP's actions regarding the six disqualified Congress MLAs, questioning their motivations behind relocating them and independent MLAs to Dehradun.
He underscored the importance of public trust and condemned the betrayal of constituents and party allegiance for personal gain.
Asserting his commitment to serving the people, the Chief Minister emphasized that the post of Chief Minister symbolizes the aspirations of the common man, earned through dedication and perseverance, not through manipulation or wealth.
He reaffirmed the government's resolve to uphold democracy and resist any anti-democratic agendas.
In addition to inaugurating the exhibition showcasing various departments, boards, and corporations, the Chief Minister also unveiled the souvenir published by the fair committee, marking the auspicious occasion of Shivratri Mahotsav.
The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur, MLAs Chandrashekhar, Anil Sharma, Bhuvaneshwar Gaur, and Suresh Kumar, former Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, Vijaypal Singh among others, along with enthusiastic participation from devotees and officials, highlighting the spirit of unity and cultural richness at the International Shivratri Mahotsav in Mandi.
