The "political crisis" plaguing the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh appears to be lingering, with Cabinet minister Vikramaditya Singh continuing his efforts to address the simmering discontent. After engaging with rebel MLAs in Chandigarh, Vikramaditya Singh proceeded to Delhi, indicating that tensions within the party persist.
A day prior, Congress' observer D. K. Shivakumar had reassured that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government would endure, emphasizing the collective desire of all MLAs for a stable Congress administration over the next five years.
Despite efforts to resolve the internal discord, two out of the six rebel MLAs refrained from meeting Vikramaditya Singh. Vikramaditya Singh, the son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers on February 28, citing concerns of legislative marginalization, neglect, and fiscal mismanagement.
Expressing frustration over the party leadership's apparent disregard for their grievances, Vikramaditya Singh highlighted that these concerns had been repeatedly conveyed to the High Command in Delhi to no avail.
While central observers D.K. Shivakumar, Bhupesh Baghel, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with state president Pratibha Singh, managed to placate Vikramaditya Singh and his mother, Pratibha Singh, by forming a coordination committee, Vikramaditya Singh refrained from rescinding his resignation until further assurances were provided.
Analysts suggest that sidelining figures like Vikramaditya Singh and his mother, Pratibha Singh, prominent figures in Himachal Pradesh politics, could prove detrimental, considering their substantial influence within the state's political landscape.
Pratibha Singh, the widow of the esteemed party stalwart Virbhadra Singh, holds considerable sway within the party despite her husband's demise in July 2021. Virbhadra Singh's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to state politics, often charting his course independent of centralized party influence.
The discontent within the Congress ranks is underscored by the recent cross-voting of six legislators in favor of the BJP candidate during the Rajya Sabha polls. This dissent reflects broader dissatisfaction with the leadership style of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and calls for his replacement.
Vikramaditya Singh's resignation highlighted systemic issues within the government, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance that values the contributions of all legislators rather than stifling dissenting voices.
