Shukla–Sukhu tussle over VC appointments overshadows Vajpayee tribute in Shimla
SHIMLA, AUGUST 16: Shimla’s Ridge, where leaders gathered on Saturday to pay floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, turned into a stage for political theatrics as the simmering row over university Vice-Chancellor appointments once again came to the fore.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu not only arrived separately with their own political entourages but also used the sidelines of the ceremony to respond to media queries, making pointed remarks on the controversy that has been dragging for months.
Interestingly, Shukla was flanked by Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, PCC chief Pratibha Singh and BJP leaders including Suresh Bhardwaj, BJP mandal chief Shimla Keshav Chauhan, while Sukhu was accompanied by Shimla MLA Harish Janartha, his media advisor Naresh Chauhan, Mayor Surender Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal.
Governor Shukla defended his stand, insisting that whatever steps he had taken were in the “interest of universities” and should be judged by the people of Himachal.
“The High Court has stayed the matter, and I respect that. Whatever has to be done, I will do. But the public must decide why Horticulture University, Nauni, and CSK Agriculture University, Palampur, are being treated in this manner,” he remarked, making it clear that he intends to hold his ground.
Sukhu, however, reminded the Governor that the state legislature had conferred powers on the Chancellor within the framework of state laws, and underlined that the government cannot be bypassed.
“The legislature has passed the Acts, the Cabinet has taken its decisions, and the Chancellor’s role is guided by law. Even objections raised by Raj Bhawan have been addressed by the Cabinet.
The solution can only come through dialogue,” Sukhu said, adding that he will meet the Governor to resolve the matter.
But Saturday’s show of strength also exposed the chinks within Congress itself.
With Pratibha Singh standing firmly by Shukla’s side and Sukhu staking his authority on the other flank, the shadow battle over a full-time PCC chief appointment came into sharp focus.
The two Congress camps are now eyeball to eyeball, making it clear that the VC row has become as much about control within Congress as it is about Raj Bhawan versus the Oakover, official residence of HP CM.
The VC appointment standoff has snowballed into a larger power tussle, with pending bills piling up at the Governor’s desk adding to the friction.
Both sides are now sparring publicly even on occasions meant for paying homage to leaders like Vajpayee, who enjoyed a special bond with Himachal Pradesh.
For now, the state waits for the next move — when CM Sukhu will finally walk up to Raj Bhawan to thrash out the deadlock with Governor Shukla.
Deputy CM chose to side with Pratibha Singha and governor rather than with CM.Congress’s internal rift adding more fuel to the fire as Holly Lodge seemed to over drawn battlelines.
Until then, the political spectacle continues as Congress High Command has yet to take a final call on the new party boss in Himachal.
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