Guv, CM pay tributes toVajpayee

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 16

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary at the Ridge.

Remembering Vajpayee as a statesman, visionary leader and a politician who upheld the highest moral values, the Governor said Atal ji considered Himachal Pradesh his home and always maintained dignity in public life.

“He never resorted to corruption for the sake of power or to save his government. Today, the greatest tribute we can pay him is to follow the path of integrity and value-based politics that he showed us,” said Shukla. The Governor added Vajpayee was a towering figure in Indian politics, admired across party lines and loved by the nation for his simplicity, oratory and statesmanship.

The CM said Vajpayee was respected by all and was not only a distinguished politician but also a true statesman. He added Vajpayee was known for his clarity of thought and had a special bond with Himachal Pradesh as he owned a house at Prini in Kullu district.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also offered floral tributes to the late leader. The Mayor of Shimla MC, Surinder Chauhan, former MP Pratibha Singh, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, former minister Suresh Bhardwaj, councillors, officers of the district administration and other prominent people were also present.

Guv calls for drug-free state

Underscoring his vision of Nasha Mukt Himachal, the Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday urged the people of Theog to lead the fight against drug abuse with the same determination that earned them the top position in cleanliness in the state.

Addressing people on the occasion of Theog Day at Theog, he assured that he would extend his support by joining even the smallest of programme against drugs.

The Governor congratulated Theog for securing the first position in Himachal Pradesh in the Swachh Survekshan 2025 in the category of towns with a population below 20,000, surpassing Shimla, which had held the position for many years. He lauded the consistent progress of Theog in education, health, agriculture, horticulture, and tourism, highlighting the spirit of patriotism and service among its youth.

Paying homage to the members of the Praja Mandal movement,Shukla said that this Amrit Kaal calls for meaningful contributions from every citizen, while emphasizing the importance of adopting swadeshi in all walks of life. “It was only through our indigenous BrahMos missile that India compelled Pakistan to bow down, and today nations across the world seek to acquire it,” he remarked.

On the occasion, the Governor also released a song against drug abuse prepared by Shyam and honoured individuals for their outstanding contribution to society.

Earlier, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Theog MLA recalled that it was the Praja Mandal movement that compelled the ruler to hand over power to the people, leading to the tradition of celebrating Theog Day. He also highlighted various developmental initiatives in the region and appreciated the Governor’s anti-drug campaign.

Himachal Tribune