No more public dissent-Himachal State Cong chief issues stern orders
Shimla, Jan 23,
Infighting seems seems is making the Ruling party Congress uncomfortable in the State as new party state cheif has issued a warnin to all its members. President Vinay Kumar has directed all ministers, MLAs and office-bearers of boards and corporations against making statements that deviate from the party line.
In a letter issued on the instructions of the All India Congress Committee, Kumar made it clear that any leader whose public statements damage the image of the party or the state government will face strict disciplinary action without any prior warning.
He said that recent comments by some party leaders had openly violated the party’s official policy and caused serious embarrassment to both the organisation and the government.
The PCC chief stated that the central leadership has taken strong cognizance of this indiscipline and that there is deep displeasure and dissatisfaction at the AICC level.
He categorically warned that no minister, MLA, chairman or vice chairman would be allowed to air differences through the media, social media or public platforms. Any violation would invite immediate action, without accepting explanations or clarifications.
Although the letter did not name any individual, it is widely seen as a fallout of the controversy triggered by Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s remarks on the functioning of IAS and IPS officers, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
His comments led to sharp reactions from within the cabinet, exposing visible cracks in the ruling dispensation. Cabinet ministers Jagat Singh Negi, Anirudh Singh and Rajesh Dharmani publicly disagreed with Vikramaditya Singh, while Education Minister Rohit Thakur defended him, calling him an efficient minister.
The exchange turned particularly acrimonious when Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh launched a verbal attack on Vikramaditya Singh, prompting a sharp retort in the backdrop of an FIR filed against Anirudh Singh in connection with an alleged assault on NHAI officials.
Several Congress and Youth Congress leaders also joined the debate, further highlighting internal discord.
With factional statements threatening to overshadow governance, the PCC leadership has now stepped in to contain the damage and enforce discipline, signalling that the party would no longer tolerate public airing of internal differences.
According to party insiders that indiscipline prevails in the state government where ministers complain publically about their babus not working in the intrest of state people and protection to Bureaucracy by the another faction also draw attention of AICC to the disputes.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.