Himachal Pradesh Political Turmoil: Congress Torch March Slams BJP's "Unconstitutional" Tactics

: Category: Latest; Published: 11 March 2024

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SHIMLA: In a defiant move against what they perceive as a relentless assault on democratic norms, the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) led by PCC President Pratibha Singh and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, staged a torch march from The Ridge to Chaura Maidan here today.

The procession, marked by fiery speeches and a resolute stance, was a direct response to what the Congress describes as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ongoing attempts to destabilize the democratically elected government in the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, flanked by a party members including Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Speaker, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, and MLAs, hit out at the BJP for resorting to what he termed "cheap tactics" in their bid to overthrow the elected government.

Addressing a sea of supporters gathered at Ambedkar Chowk, Chaura Maidan, CM Sukhu minced no words in accusing the BJP of subverting democratic processes and undermining the mandate of the people.

He vehemently denounced what he characterized as unconstitutional maneuvers by the central government to destabilize the state government. "Congress government is elected by the people and would not succumb to such tactics", he declared.

He highlighted the achievements of his government in the face of adversity. Sukhu underscored the commitment of his administration to serving the people of Himachal Pradesh.

He refuted BJP's allegations of fiscal mismanagement, asserting that his government was focused on fulfilling its promises to the electorate and steering the state towards progress.

"We have not come for enjoying power but for serving the people of the State with a motto of 'Vyavastha Parivartan'," Sukhu declared, emphasizing the government's determination to complete its full term despite challenges from opposition forces.

Drawing a sharp contrast between the Congress and the BJP, Sukhu pointed out the tangible progress made by his government in fulfilling electoral promises within a short span of time.

He accused the BJP of resorting to misinformation and deception to mislead the public, asserting that the Congress remained steadfast in its commitment to inclusive governance.

The drama continued to hog the limelight that took the state government by storm soon following the defeat of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha elections by BJP's Harsh Mahajan.

The nine MLAs, six of them from Congress disqualified, three independent were camping in Uttarakhand awaiting the Supreme court judgment. Both the sides are making allegations and counter allegations in public domain.

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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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