Neeraj Bharti ousted from HPCC Leadership role after months of public attacks on Party and Government
Shimla, June 5,
Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) on Friday accepted the resignation of former MLA and senior Congress leader Neeraj Bharti from the post of Vice President of the state party unit, marking another significant development within the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh. The decision was conveyed through an official press release issued by HPCC General Secretary (Organisation) Vinod Zinta.
Bharti, son of Agriculture Minister and former Union Minister Chander Kumar, has been openly critical of the functioning of both the party organisation and the state government in recent months. His resignation comes against the backdrop of a series of public statements targeting the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The former legislator had recently blamed the state leadership for the Congress party’s disappointing performance in the Municipal Corporation elections as well as setbacks suffered by the party in Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections (as claimed by opposition BJP.
He repeatedly expressed concern over the party’s weakening position in Kangra district, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Congress.
Bharti also courted controversy by demanding that all ministers and MLAs undergo dope tests, arguing that if drug screening had been made mandatory for government job aspirants, elected representatives should also be subjected to similar scrutiny.
Also Read Ex-MLA Neeraj Bharti declares war on own father, Congress Govt in open social media showdown
Known for his outspoken style, Bharti has frequently found himself at the centre of political controversies and public exchanges. On several occasions, his remarks drew attention within political circles and were seen as being at variance with the official position of the Congress leadership. Some of his public statements also attracted considerable discussion due to the fact that his father, Chander Kumar, continues to serve as a minister in the Sukhu cabinet
Political observers view the acceptance of Bharti’s resignation as another indication of internal unease within the Congress, particularly among leaders dissatisfied with the party’s electoral performance and political management in Kangra district.
While the party leadership has not commented on the reasons behind the move, the development is expected to further fuel discussions on factional undercurrents within the ruling party.
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