Public sparring among Himachal Congress ministers shows no sign of relent
Shimla, Jan 15,
Infighting within the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh continued on Thursday, with Public Works Minister pushing back strongly against criticism from his own cabinet colleagues, while defending his stand on accountability and respect for officers.
Clarifying his position, Vikramaditya Singh said he does not believe in insulting or physically confronting All India Service officers, indirectly countering remarks made by Revenue and Horticulture Minister and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister , who had distanced themselves from his earlier comments on bureaucracy.
The Public Works Minister stressed that raising issues of governance and accountability should not be confused with disrespecting officers. He said his statements were aimed at protecting the interests of Himachal Pradesh and its people, not at undermining constitutional services.
His rebuttal came in the backdrop of the recent controversy involving Anirudh Singh, who was booked for allegedly assaulting a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project officer during a dispute related to a highway project. The officer had accused the minister and his supporters of insulting him and attacking him with a flower pot—an incident that drew criticism across political circles.
Without naming the episode directly, Vikramaditya Singh indicated that he does not support such conduct and believes in maintaining dignity and institutional decorum. Political observers saw this as a pointed reminder that moral standards cannot be selective.
Supporters of Vikramaditya Singh described his statement as a “reality check” for colleagues who criticised him while ignoring recent incidents involving officers. Critics, however, say the continuing public exchanges reflect growing divisions within the cabinet led by Chief Minister .
As the crossfire among ministers shows no sign of ending, the controversy has once again highlighted internal differences within the ruling Congress government, raising concerns about cabinet unity and effective governance in Himachal Pradesh.
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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.
