Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu strongly criticized the Central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that a ceasefire was announced without discussing it with the Indian armed forces. He made this statement while addressing a public meeting called the "Jai Hind Sabha" in Shimla on Friday, May 31, 2025.
The Chief Minister said that Indian soldiers had responded bravely and firmly to terrorist attacks, but it was disappointing that the Union government declared a ceasefire without consulting with the Army, Navy, and Air Force. “Our brave soldiers gave a strong reply to the terrorists. But sadly, the ceasefire was declared without taking the three armed forces into confidence,” Sukhu said.
He also highlighted that the announcement came not from India but via social media from a third country, which was highly inappropriate. Without naming the country directly, he suggested that the ceasefire message was influenced or declared by a foreign power, believed to be the United States, as later confirmed by other Congress leaders.
Sukhvinder Sukhu drew a clear comparison between former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and current PM Narendra Modi. He praised Indira Gandhi for her strong leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and criticized Modi for not showing the same courage and clarity in dealing with Pakistan. “Former PM Indira Gandhi never compromised on national security,” Sukhu said. “Unlike now, her leadership was direct and firm.”
He shared a personal story about meeting a former soldier, Subedar Major Anoop Ram, during a visit to Sharchi village in Tirthan Valley, Kullu. Anoop Ram had served in the 1971 war and recalled how Indira Gandhi's speech during the war filled soldiers with pride and energy. That war changed the history of South Asia when Pakistan was split into two and the independent country of Bangladesh was formed. Later, the Simla Agreement was signed in Shimla, marking peace between the two countries. Sukhu said Shimla holds a special place in history because of this agreement.
Sukhu then went on to honor the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh. He proudly stated that the soldiers of the state have been given four Param Vir Chakra awards—the highest military honor in India. “Our Himachali soldiers have always stood in front and never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for India,” he said.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the former leaders of the Congress party, such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. “They gave their lives for the unity and integrity of India. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten,” Sukhu said.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also spoke at the event. He questioned the role of the United States in declaring the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. “The ceasefire was announced by the US President. This is unacceptable,” he said. Agnihotri reminded everyone that the Simla Agreement signed after the 1971 war clearly stated that all issues between India and Pakistan must be resolved through bilateral dialogue only, meaning only India and Pakistan should talk directly without third-party interference.
He said that the Simla Agreement must be respected and that India must stick to its principles. Agnihotri also shared that Himachal Pradesh has a glorious record in the armed forces. “Our jawans (soldiers) have received 1,203 medals, including four Param Vir Chakras and two Ashok Chakras,” he said.
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Ajay Maken, a senior Congress leader and Treasurer of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), was also present at the event. He stated that political leaders should not take credit for the victories of the Indian military. “All credit should go to our armed forces. Politicians have no role in their bravery,” Maken said.
He explained that the Congress party had launched the "Jai Hind Sabha" as a national event, with similar programs happening in 15 key locations across India. The main event was held in Shimla because of its historic connection to the Simla Agreement signed in 1972.
Maken further said, “Indian soldiers have always defeated Pakistan, even on their soil. The Congress has never politicized the armed forces’ sacrifice. The country must always remember their contribution.”
He also criticized the government’s foreign policy. “It is disappointing that not even a single country condemned Pakistan’s recent action. That shows the weakness of our foreign policy,” he added.
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Rajani Patil said that Shimla has a special place in India’s diplomatic history because of the Simla Agreement. “Pakistan has now rejected that agreement, but we will continue to respect it. We stand with our armed forces and support the government on all matters of national interest,” she said.
Patil added that events like the "Jai Hind Sabha" are important to show respect to the soldiers who protect the country.
Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Pratibha Singh also spoke at the event. She recalled that India had won all three wars with Pakistan and praised the courage of the Indian Army. “We must pay homage to our brave soldiers who gave everything for the country,” she said.
She announced that similar programs to honor the armed forces will be held in every district of Himachal Pradesh. She also said, “Today, more than ever, the Constitution must be protected.” This was likely a reference to the current political situation in the country and the Congress party’s stand on democratic values.
The "Jai Hind Sabha" event was a part of the Congress party’s nationwide campaign to pay tribute to Indian soldiers and martyrs. It aimed to highlight the bravery of the armed forces and criticize the central government for not consulting military leaders before making important national security decisions.
The Congress party organized this event in 15 major cities across India. Shimla was chosen as the central venue because of its symbolic connection to the Simla Agreement signed after the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Through speeches and tributes, Congress leaders called for better treatment of soldiers, stronger national security measures, and more respect for the legacy of past Indian leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
They also made a point that India’s military success should never be used for political gains. Instead, the armed forces should be given all the credit for their courage and sacrifice.
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s sharp criticism of the central government’s ceasefire decision has brought national attention to the way such decisions are made. Sukhu and other Congress leaders said that the armed forces must be consulted in all matters related to national defense. They also said that India must continue to follow the Simla Agreement and avoid letting third countries interfere in Indo-Pak relations.
The “Jai Hind Sabha” was not only a tribute to Indian soldiers but also a message that the Congress party stands firmly with the armed forces and against any move that weakens India’s military or its diplomatic strength.
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