PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh's Meeting Disqualified MLAs Sparks Fresh Heat in HP Congress

: Category: Latest; Published: 01 March 2024

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Shimla: The political scene in Himachal Pradesh is roiling as Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh reportedly meet the disqualified Congress MLAs, stirring fresh turmoil within the party.

Though there is no bar on meeting any MLAs or disqualified or opposition MLAs. But Singh's meeting the disqualified MLAs hot on the heels of the crucial patchup meeting of the aggrieved MLAS and Ministers with Congress Damage Control team in Shimla on Thursday has generated fresh heat in the Congress party.

This move has intensified storm within the Congress ranks, particularly amidst grievances of some MLAs and some ministers who find themselves at odds with Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sokhu.

Of the six disqualified MLAs, four were reportedly aligning themselves with the "Virbhadra Singh camp", read his son Vikramaditya Singh.

Notably, these MLAs hail from the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, represented by BJP Lok Sabha MP Anurag Singh Thakur, who also serves as Union Minister for Broadcasting, Youth Services, and Sports in the Modi government.

Vikramaditya Singh's meeting with the disqualified MLAs has fueled speculation, particularly regarding their next steps and potential alliances.

Analysts suggest that the disqualification may significantly impact Congress prospects in key Lok Sabha constituencies, including Hamirpur and Mandi and Kangra.

The Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Pradesh Congress Committee President Pratibha Singh, has been hit by the disqualification as Ravi Thakur represented Lahaul-Spiti.

Sudhir Sharma, hailing from Dharamshala and representing Kangra in the Lok Sabha, adds to the setback for Congress in the Kangra Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency.

The disqualified MLAs have decided to take their case to the Supreme Court, arguing that their dismissal was unjustified and that they remain legitimate members of the assembly.

Vikramaditya Singh was on his way to Delhi to meet the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding some projects.

Speaking to the media in Shimla, Congress President Pratibha Singh shed light on her son Vikramaditya Singh's recent meeting, stating that he might have got a call prompting the discussion.

Pratibha Singh emphasized the importance of adhering to the party's directives, noting that if the high command directs Vikramaditya, he would comply and engage in dialogue accordingly.

Regarding the six disqualified Congress MLAs, Pratibha Singh hinted at potential discussions between them and party leadership, suggesting that they may have issues to address with the high command.

The fallout from the disqualification of these MLAs underscores the deepening rifts within the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh, setting the stage for a complex scene in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

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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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PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh's Meeting Disqualified MLAs Sparks Fresh Heat in HP Congress

Speaking to the media in Shimla, Congress President Pratibha Singh shed light on her son Vikramaditya Singh's recent meeting, stating that he might have got a call prompting the discussion.

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