Congress in Firefighting Mode: CM Sukhu Rebuts BJP Claims, Says Congress will Last its Term

: Category: Latest; Published: 28 February 2024

KuldeepChauhan, Editor-in-Chief,HimbuMail

Shimla: In a heated political development, the Congress Party finds itself in a frenzied firefighting mode as it grapples with the BJP's alleged attempts to destabilize the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh.

Accompanied by Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Health Minister Col. Dhani Ram Shandil, Chief Minister Sukhu came out swinging today, rejecting what he termed as BJP's "propaganda" to undermine his majority Congress government.

Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sukhu minced no words, declaring, "I want to make it crystal clear that despite the propaganda being spread by BJP, the Congress government will complete its full term of five years".

"Ours is a government for the people, for the employees, and for the dignity of women. The BJP's behavior in attempting to disrupt this stability is unjust.", he said.

The Chief Minister's remarks come amidst swirling speculations regarding a potential challenge to his leadership and BJP leader of the opposition and reports on media that Sukhu has offered resignation to the party high command after Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi was defeated by BJP's Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha election.

Reports surfaced of intense political maneuvering, including alleged attempts to sway MLAs from the Congress camp.

However, Sukhu remained resolute, asserting, "We are warriors; we face challenges head-on. We will emerge victorious. I have not tendered any resignation, and the Congress government will endure for its full tenure."

Meanwhile, National Spokesperson Jairam Ramesh added to the chorus of defiance, asserting the supremacy of the Congress Party's organization and its commitment to upholding the mandate bestowed upon it by the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Ramesh hinted at impending tough decisions while reaffirming the party's resolve.

"We will not allow the mandate of Himachal to be betrayed," Ramesh stated firmly. "The organization is supreme, and we will continue to fulfill the mandate we have received."

But it remains unclear as to whether Vikramaditya Singh will leave the party or Congress will assign him a major role as he has unilaterally told media that he has resigned from the Sukhu government.

He was accompanied by two MLAs Nand Lal from Rampur and Mohan Brakta from Rohru.

As tensions escalate within the party ranks, all eyes are on the impending report to be submitted to the Congress President, which is expected to chart the course of action in response to the alleged BJP machinations.

The political scene simmers, the Congress Party finds itself on the frontlines of a battle to last its government and assert its authority against the BJP onslaught.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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