Shimla | What began as a fiery political speech in Mandi has now snowballed into a full-blown controversy, exposing fresh cracks within the Sukhu government and unsettling the black sheep in the state bureaucracy.
The remarks made by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and later endorsed by PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh against “certain officers” posted in key positions have triggered strong reactions from ministers, bureaucrats and citizens alike.
Addressing a rally at Paddal Maidan in December, Agnihotri alleged that some officers were working against the interests of Himachal Pradesh and were even frequenting BJP offices while holding powerful government posts. He warned of stern action, stating such officers would be “dealt with,” a remark that sent shockwaves through the IAS and IPS circles.
The controversy deepened after Vikramaditya Singh publicly supported Agnihotri. Clarifying his stand, the PWD minister said he was not targeting all officers, but only specific individuals who, according to him, were “compromising public interest.”
> “I respect honest officers. My objection is only to a few who misuse power. I will not hesitate to name them if required,” Singh asserted.
Ministers Split Over Remarks
However, the government itself appeared divided. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi openly disagreed with Vikramaditya, saying officers from outside Himachal — including those from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh — were doing good work.
> “It is unfair to paint everyone with the same brush. Many of these officers have served the state sincerely,” Negi said.
Backing him, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, a close confidant of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, said bureaucrats function under political direction.
“Officers implement policies framed by elected representatives. It is wrong to blame them for governance failures,” he said, adding that leadership must learn to channelise their abilities.
IAS-IPS Associations Cry Foul
The IAS and IPS associations also issued a statement condemning the remarks, calling them “uncalled for.” The associations reminded that cadre allocation is constitutionally guaranteed and officers work as per the policies of elected governments.
“Creating divisions between state cadre and outside officers is harmful to governance,” the statement said.
Citizens Speak Out
Amid the political slugfest, citizens have urged restraint and maturity from those in power demanding isolation of the black sheep within the Babudom.
Manoj Kumar, a Shimla-based hydropower expert, questioned the approach of the ministers:
“Had the Deputy CM and PWD Minister made specific allegations against specific individuals, this controversy could have been avoided. Making sweeping remarks only creates confusion and mistrust.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Ashutosh Chauhan, a progressive apple farmer from PGA said such issues should never be aired publicly.
“If there are problems, they must be settled inside offices. Public statements only sensationalise the matter. Erring officers should be reprimanded privately,” he said.
Introspection Needed on Both Sides
While the government’s handling has drawn criticism, even senior officials privately admit that all is not well within the system.
“Some rotten apples are known to all, but they enjoy political patronage,” a senior officer said.
Critics say this nexus between powerful officers and political bosses has eroded accountability and emboldened a few to misuse authority.
Observers argue that while ministers should avoid public mudslinging, bureaucratic self-correction is equally important.
Blanket denial by associations, they say, only weakens public trust.
Political Undercurrents
The episode has also revived old factional tensions within the Congress — between the Virbhadra Singh camp and the Sukhu group. Agnihotri is seen close to the Virbhadra camp, while Sukhu leads the rival faction.
These fault lines became visible during the February 2025 Rajya Sabha election, when cross-voting led to Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s defeat, triggering a political earthquake.
With another Rajya Sabha election approaching and Pratibha Singh’s name being floated, political manoeuvring has intensified once again.
Call for CM’s Intervention
Political analysts say Chief Minister Sukhu must step in urgently to defuse tensions.
“This is not just about statements. It is about governance. The CM must bring all sides to the table and restore confidence,” said a senior observer.
The Larger Picture
At the heart of the controversy lies a bigger question — how to ensure accountability without undermining institutions. Citizens, officers and politicians agree on one thing: public confrontation benefits no one.
This is not only ministers vs ministers or ministers versus tagged bureaucrats. It is also a crisis of governance — where all sides must introspect, fix the rot quietly and put public interest above political posturing.
But the moot question remains: Who will fix the politically tagged officers and officers with doubtful integrity?
