PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh Resigns creating a crisis in HP Congress

: Category: Latest; Published: 28 February 2024

KuldeepChauhan/HimbuMailNewsService

PWD Min Vikramaditya Singh Resigns from Ministry

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.

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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 Resigns creating a crisis in HP Congress

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.

He clarified that his resignation was not a pressure tactic but a deeply personal decision made after careful deliberation.

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