Shimla Winter Carnival Starts with a Bang

: Category: Latest; Published: 25 December 2023

HimbuMailNewsService

View of winter carnival on The Ridge Shimla

Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the maiden 'Shimla Winter Carnival' at the Ridge, marking a historic moment for the city.

The event kicked off with a cultural parade featuring 450 women showcasing Mahanati, highlighting the talents of self-help groups and Anganwadi workers.

The Winter Carnival, set to last until January 5th next year, aims to boost tourism activities in Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister Sukhu acknowledged the recent challenges faced by the state's tourism sector due to monsoon disruptions but praised the efforts of cabinet colleagues and departments, noting a promising revival with an influx of 30 thousand tourist vehicles in the past days.

Expressing commitment to promoting tourism, the Chief Minister announced a substantial budget increase to Rs. 3 thousand crore for the sector. He thanked all sections of society, children, and tourists for their support in the state's recovery.

As a special measure, all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops are allowed to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024.

In addition to inaugurating an exhibition featuring stalls by the District Administration and various departments, the Chief Minister enjoyed cultural programs such as Kullavi Nati and Singtu.

The carnival, offering local dishes, laser shows, and cultural programs, adds to the festive atmosphere, contributing to the celebration of Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage.

MLA Harish Janartha praised the state government's efforts in organizing the Shimla Winter Carnival, emphasizing its potential to enhance tourism.

Mayor Shimla, Surender Chauhan, welcomed the Chief Minister, stating that the carnival represents the government's commitment to 'Vyavstha Parivartan.'

Notable dignitaries, including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and others, graced the occasion. The carnival, coinciding with Christmas festivities, attracts tourists to the city, contributing to the vibrancy of the season.

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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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