Shimla, Feb 15,
The political landscape in Himachal Pradesh has been jolted by another fresh controversy following the removal of an inauguration plaque bearing the name of six-time former Chief Minister Late Virbhadra Singh in Hamirpur. The incident, has unfolded in the home district of incumbent CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
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Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur swiftly condemned the act, terming it a disgraceful departure from Himachal’s political traditions. Accusing the Sukhu-led government of disregarding the legacy of one of the state’s tallest leaders, Thakur demanded strict action against those responsible. His statement has intensified the ongoing power struggle within the Congress, providing the BJP with an opportunity to highlight the widening cracks in the ruling party.
यह हिमाचल की परंपरा नहीं हैं छह बार के मुख्यमंत्री रहे स्व वीरभद्र सिंह जी की नाम पट्टिका उखाड़ने का मामला दुःखद और निंदनीय है।
अगर मुख्यमंत्री @SukhuSukhvinder महोदय इस दुःखद घटना का समर्थन नहीं करते हैं तो ऐसा करने वाले पर सख्त से सख्त कार्रवाई करें। https://t.co/lpEdHUyvyp
— Jairam Thakur (@jairamthakurbjp) February 14, 2025
Noteworthy that the controversy erupted after reports surfaced in a vernacular daily detailing the removal of the foundation plaque. As per the report, the Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board’s office poster was put up at Dangkwali Chowk, Hamirpur, replacing a signboard of the Agriculture Department’s sales center. In the process, the foundation stone laid by Virbhadra Singh in 1996 was allegedly displaced and later found placed near a peepal tree. The incident infact has left many unanswered questions—who removed the plaque, where was it originally installed, and why was it abandoned at an obscure location?
Amid mounting political pressure, Chairman of the Workers’ Welfare Board, Naradev Kanwar, has called for an investigation into the matter.
This controversy reminds a similar incident in 2020 when Congress had vehemently protested the removal of a foundation stone plaque at the Rohtang Tunnel by Sonia Gandhi. The uproar then signalled a broader tussle over political legacies.
Virbhadra Singh’s towering political influence continues to loom over the state’s Congress unit, much to the discomfort of the Sukhu faction. With the focus shifting from governance to internal factional struggles, the opposition has seized the opportunity to question the State government. The burning question remains—will CM Sukhu take action against those behind the incident, or will silence further fuel speculation over an internal power struggle?
