SHIMLA: In a stunning political twist following the recent Rajya Sabha setback for the Congress, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh, son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, has tendered his resignation from his ministerial position.
Singh's decision has sent shockwaves through the Congress camp ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.
Singh cited a poignant reason for his resignation, expressing deep disappointment over the Sukhu government's failure to allocate land on the Ridge for the installation of a statue commemorating his father's legacy.
Virrbhadra Singh, a stalwart figure in Himachal Pradesh politics who served the state for over 55 years and held the Chief Ministerial position six times, was deserving of this honor, according to Vikramaditya Singh.
In an impassioned statement, Singh lamented the government's disregard for fulfilling this symbolic gesture, which he deemed essential to preserving his father's memory and contributions to the state.
Despite repeated appeals, Singh claims that the government failed to act, leaving him with no choice but to step down from his ministerial post.
Singh emphasized that his decision was not driven by political considerations but rather by a sense of duty to uphold the respect and legacy of his father.
He expressed profound disappointment over the government's inability to fulfill this basic gesture, which he believed was crucial to honoring his father's monumental service to Himachal Pradesh.
As Singh's resignation has added a blow to Congress government.
But efforts are on to placate Vikramaditya Singh.
He was accompanied by Rohru MLA Mohan Lal Brakta and Rampur MLA NandLal. It is yet not clear whether his resignation is accepted or not.
Despite his disappointment, Singh affirmed his loyalty to the Congress party, vowing to abide by the directives of the party's high command.
"I am one of those who believe in confronting challenges head-on and fighting for the people," Singh declared, emphasizing his commitment to the party's decisions.
He clarified that his resignation was not a pressure tactic but a deeply personal decision made after careful deliberation.
"I have not resigned from the party; I have merely tendered my resignation from my ministerial post," Singh clarified, dispelling speculations of a rift within the Congress ranks. He reiterated his readiness to engage in discussions with party leaders to chart the way forward.
Singh's departure was attributed to his dissatisfaction with his own government's refusal to allocate land for the installation of a statue honoring Virbhadra Singh on Ridge.
Meanwhile Congress high level team is about to reach Shimla to mitigate the crisis in the ruling Congress to placate the disgruntled MLAs who crossvoted.
