‘Samosa Controversy’ over mishandling of refreshments at CID event sparks political debate

A minor lapse during a recent official event attended by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has spiraled into a major controversy, drawing political and media attention. What initially appeared to be an innocent mistake in delivering refreshments has now escalated into allegations of “anti-government” actions, as stated in an inquiry report conducted by the Himachal Pradesh CID.

On October 21, three boxes of samosas and cakes were ordered from Hotel Radisson Blue in Lakkar Bazaar to be served to Chief Minister Sukhu during his visit to the CID headquarters for a function. However, due to a series of miscommunications and procedural missteps, the refreshments intended for the Chief Minister ended up being served to his security staff.

According to the CID’s inquiry report, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), the mix-up began when an Inspector General (IG)-ranked officer tasked a sub-inspector (SI) with arranging the refreshments. The SI then instructed an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and a head constable to collect the snacks from the hotel. After retrieving the items in sealed boxes, the ASI and head constable reportedly notified the SI. However, due to a communication breakdown, the snacks were handed over to the CID’s mechanical transport (MT) section rather than being reserved for the Chief Minister.

The enquiry report sheds light on a significant oversight: only the initial SI was aware that these refreshments were specifically intended for the Chief Minister. When a lady inspector, who received the boxes, asked staff from the tourism department if the snacks were meant for the Chief Minister, she was reportedly informed that they were not on the official menu. Consequently, the snacks were directed to the MT section.

The incident, which involved multiple personnel and departments, eventually became a matter of internal debate within the CID. In an unexpected twist, a senior official within the CID labeled the mishap as “anti-CID” and “anti-government,” insinuating that certain individuals involved may have acted with ulterior motives. According to official note, the error led to a serious lapse in protocol, depriving the Chief Minister of refreshments designated for him. The official further speculated that the individuals involved might have acted according to personal agendas rather than following protocol.

The issue, which could have been resolved as a simple logistical error, quickly gained political traction. BJP spokesperson Randhir Sharma seized on the incident, issuing a media statement accusing the Sukhu administration of misusing state machinery to probe minor lapses, labeling the investigation a “waste of government resources.” Sharma argued that while the government was “indulging in the privileges of power,” its priorities were misplaced, allowing such trivialities to distract from pressing issues in the state. He pointed out that the probe into the incident was undertaken solely to shield the government from scrutiny, diverting attention from more critical governance concerns.

Meanwhile, sources report that Chief Minister Sukhu has since departed for New Delhi, where he is expected to discuss organizational matters, including potential appointments within the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). Although the state government has not commented directly on the refreshment controversy, Sukhu’s absence during the height of the dispute has fueled further speculation.

The incident has become a flashpoint in a larger political debate. Critics argue that the controversy over a box of samosas serves as a distraction from genuine concerns, while supporters maintain that the administration’s response underscores its commitment to maintaining decorum and protocol within government operations.

As the government and opposition trade barbs, the “samosa controversy” highlights the highly charged political climate in Himachal Pradesh, where even minor missteps can quickly become the focal point of public debate. With the upcoming assembly session expected to witness renewed debates, the Sukhu administration is likely to face ongoing scrutiny from its critics, while its supporters maintain that protocol and decorum must be upheld in all official events.