SHIMLA: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today took a veiled swipe at the Congress, stating that "decisions in Congress are taken at the dining table, often by mother and son," while the BJP follows inner party democracy where no one can predict who will be the next president. "If internal democracy is being upheld anywhere today, it is in the BJP," he said.

Addressing the BJP Sangathan Parv here, Dr Jitendra Singh, in a speech, infused with political commentary and historical reflection, traced the BJP's rise over the years, highlighting the sacrifices of workers over decades. He recalled the early days when BJP's presence in the state was negligible and party workers were often ridiculed. "Today, the very idea of being a BJP worker commands respect. That's the transformation we've witnessed," he said, attributing much of this shift to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Reflecting on BJP's journey, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, "It took three generations of relentless struggle for BJP to become the world's largest political party. I come from Jammu & Kashmir, where once BJP had no presence. Today, due to unwavering commitment, the party has reached the grassroots even in remote regions."

Dr Jitendra Singh contrasted this with the Congress party, remarking, "Congress leaders jump ship the moment they lose power. BJP workers have toiled 50-60 years in opposition but remained steadfast."

Earlier, as BJP's Central Observer, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the re-election of Dr. Rajeev Bindal as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh. The declaration was made in the presence of senior leaders including Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, state BJP in-charge Srikanth Sharma, MPs Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj and Suresh Kashyap.

Dr. Bindal, who returns to the post unopposed, was declared the consensus candidate-an outcome that Dr. Jitendra Singh said "does not happen often" in party politics, and is reflective of the trust and recognition Bindal enjoys among party workers. "I was sent here to announce a new president, but I'm returning your old president back to you," Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked in his speech, drawing applause from party cadres.

On a broader note, Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined Himachal Pradesh's growing role in national development, especially in the context of the government's vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047. He spoke of new economic opportunities in the Himalayan region, including agri-tech and floriculture-based startups.

Referring to the success of the lavender farming model in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that similar initiatives had begun in Himachal and Uttarakhand, offering rural youth an alternative to government jobs.

The Minister urged party workers to contribute meaningfully to the goal of a developed India, stressing that every citizen's capacity and potential must be harnessed. "Let us not just witness the celebration of India at 100 in 2047; let Himachal's workers be proud participants in that journey," he said.