Himachal Congress govt faces open rebellion from MLA Rana who defeated Anurag Thakur’s father, targets Sukhu over unemployment, unfulfilled promises
- Himachal CM’s wife may get ministry if Congress follows this tradition for cabinet expansion - November 5, 2024
- Himachal High Court maintains stay on termination of 900 horticulture project employees - November 5, 2024
- Himachal weather: After month of drought-like conditions, rain likely on this day - November 5, 2024
TNR Desk
DHARAMSHALA: Rajendra Rana, the two-term Congress MLA representing Sujanpur in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, has once again triggered a controversy by criticising his own party’s government over unfulfilled promises.
In a two-page letter addressed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Rana has highlighted critical issues concerning unemployment, pending recruitment results and other unmet promises. He has shared the letter on his social media handles.
Rana had defeated Union Minister Anurag Thakur’s father and former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in the 2017 Assembly elections despite the latter being nominated the CM candidate, thus ending the veteran BJP leader’s political career. The MLA is learnt to be miffed with CM Sukhu for not including him in the cabinet.
Expressing concern over the plight of the youth, Rana emphasised the urgent need to address the growing frustration stemming from delayed recruitment results. He underscored the risk of youth exceeding the age limit for government jobs due to prolonged delays, urging the swift declaration of pending results to alleviate their anxieties.
Rana’s letter not only resonated with the concerns of unemployed youth but also shed light on the unfulfilled promises made by the Sukhu government, particularly regarding developmental initiatives in Sujanpur, including the establishment of a degree college, expanding hospital beds from 50 to 100 and deployment of specialist doctors.
This isn’t the first time Rana has voiced discontent within the party ranks. Five months ago, he had penned a similar missive to the Chief Minister, highlighting pressing issues and demanding action on various fronts, including the police constable paper leak case.
“The announcements made by the CM from the stage on Holi festival on March 5 last year in Sujanpur Assembly constituency remain unfulfilled. Opening of a degree college in Tony Devi (Sujanpur), deployment of specialist doctors in the Civil Hospital, Sujanpur, nothing has been fulfilled,” he said.
Rana also demanded implementation of the announcement of re-opening divisional offices of Jal Shakti Department and the Electricity Department, construction of bus stand in Sujanpur and starting of MA classes in English and Economics at the degree college in Sujanpur.
By reiterating the unmet commitments made by the Chief Minister during his visit to Sujanpur last year, Rana underscored the accountability of the government towards the voters.
Rana’s letter has not only intensified political tensions but also raised pertinent questions about the efficacy of the Sukhu government’s policies and actions ahead of the state budget session and the Lok Sabha elections. The internal dissent within the Congress is expected to pose further challenges for the party’s government, posing a significant threat to its electoral prospects in Himachal Pradesh.
