Sukhu-Bharti sparring exposes Congress fault lines as HPCC cracks whip
Shimla, June 8,
The public war of words between Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and former Congress leader Neeraj Bharti has now triggered an official response from the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), with the party warning of strict disciplinary action against any leader found indulging in public attacks against the government or senior party leadership.
The controversy, which had already exposed simmering tensions within the ruling Congress, escalated after the Chief Minister dismissed allegations levelled by Bharati and advised the media not to take his statements seriously, remarking that such comments were often made by an “addict”.
Bharti responded sharply, challenging the Chief Minister and Congress MLA R.S. Bali to undergo a public dope test outside Himachal Pradesh and insisting that his allegations regarding the functioning of the government deserved scrutiny rather than personal attacks. He also made a series of personal allegations against the Chief Minister, including claims related to his health and lifestyle. These allegations remain unverified and have not been publicly addressed by the Chief Minister.
Amid the escalating controversy, the HPCC on Monday stepped in to defend the Chief Minister and the state government.
Also read:Ex-MLA Neeraj Bharti declares war on own father, Congress Govt in open social media showdown
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, Pradesh Congress Organisation General Secretary Vinod Zinta described the allegations made by Bharati against Chief Minister Sukhu and the Congress high command as “completely baseless” and devoid of facts. He alleged that the statements were part of an attempt to tarnish the Chief Minister’s image and defame the state government.
Zinta said Pradesh Congress President Rajni Patil’s successor and current state party chief Vinay Kumar had taken serious note of any indiscipline within the organisation and made it clear that attacks on senior party leaders or the government would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He urged party leaders and workers to raise grievances through internal party forums rather than through the media or social media platforms, stating that no office-bearer had the authority to publicly level allegations against senior Congress leaders in violation of party discipline.
Referring specifically to Bharti, a former state Congress vice-president, Zinta said if he had any complaints, they should have been raised on an appropriate party platform. He added that the HPCC’s disciplinary committee would decide the future course of action against him.
The party has convened a meeting of its disciplinary committee at Rajiv Bhawan on June 9 under the chairmanship of MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore to discuss issues relating to organisational discipline and consider further action.
The episode carries significance beyond a personal confrontation. Bharti is not an opposition leader but a former Congress office-bearer and the son of senior Cabinet Minister Chander Kumar. His allegations, irrespective of whether they are substantiated, have provided political ammunition to the BJP and intensified discussion over internal dissatisfaction within sections of the ruling party.
The latest intervention by the Congress leadership also highlights the party’s concern over public airing of internal disputes at a time when organisational issues and delayed appointments within the state unit continue to be discussed by several leaders. While the party leadership has moved to close ranks behind the Chief Minister, the Sukhu-Bharati confrontation has exposed internal fault lines that the opposition is likely to exploit in the coming months.
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