Shimla, May 5,
The Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh appears to be navigating choppy waters, with recent developments hinting at internal differences and political maneuvering among senior leaders.
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A key flashpoint emerged during the recent Haroli Fair, which was attended by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. His public praise of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, without mention of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has sparked speculation about emerging rifts within the party’s top leadership. The Governor’s remark, “If the state lacks funds, I am ready to go to Delhi to secure more for Himachal’s development,” was interpreted by some observers as a gesture of alignment with the Deputy CM’s efforts.
Deputy CM Agnihotri, generally known for his measured tone, adopted a more impassioned stance during the event, suggesting that certain elements were attempting to obstruct his public initiatives.
View Dy CM Agnihotri’s social media post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19UQ8F7DJT/
While such comments might appear routine in political discourse, they have fuelled discussions about growing internal factionalism. Some leaders associated with the legacy of former CM Virbhadra Singh have reportedly expressed concern about the Deputy CM’s position within the party framework.
Two cabinet ministers, Yadvinder Goma (Ayurveda and Sports) and Chander Kumar, have also publicly voiced reservations about certain aspects of the government’s functioning, indicating a broader spectrum of internal debate.
Further intrigue was added when Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, son of the late Virbhadra Singh, posted a photograph with Agnihotri on social media, accompanied by the caption, “When people start conspiring to defeat you… your ability is top class.”
View Minister Vikramditya Singh’s social media https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AQxSu3fkt/
The post also included the slogan “Jai Shri Ram,” a religious phrase that has triggered varied interpretations, given the party’s traditional secular stance.
The backdrop to these developments includes the yet-to-be-finalized structure of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), which has led to heightened anticipation among various party factions. Supporters of senior leader Ram Lal Thakur have also raised concerns, calling for greater inclusivity and recognition in party decisions.
In a separate development, a minority community representative within the Congress expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of a recent mosque demolition case in Shimla, raising questions about the role of certain ministers.
While the BJP watches closely for political openings amid Congress’ internal recalibrations, it too faces its own set of challenges, with murmurs of dissent and speculation about the formation of a third political front in the state.
As political narratives shift and alliances are tested, the ruling Congress finds itself confronting not just opposition attacks but also the delicate task of maintaining cohesion within its own ranks.
The coming weeks may prove crucial for Chief Minister Sukhu, as he seeks to consolidate support and steer his government through an increasingly complex political terrain.
