Cold war surfaces in Himachal Congress again as 2 ministers differ on Rathore’s criticism of Sukhu govt

MANDI/SHIMLA: A protest organised to condemn BJP MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur’s allegations against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge inadvertently exposed deeper issues brewing within the Himachal Pradesh Congress itself.

Instead of unity, the event brought to light simmering tensions among top party leaders, with two cabinet ministers offering contrasting stance to criticism of the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government.

At the centre of the discord is Kuldeep Singh Rathore, former Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president and sitting MLA from Theog in Shimla district who chose the protest platform to publicly voice his dissatisfaction with the functioning of his own party’s government.

Rathore’s unfiltered criticism stuns party leadership

In a direct appeal from the stage, Rathore addressed Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, saying: “Mukesh ji, please also think about our workers. Even today, they are receiving summons.”
Rathore lamented that the party’s grassroots workers, those who carried the Congress flag during its years in opposition, are being sidelined under the present government.

Despite their contribution in bringing the party to power, many continue to face unresolved cases from the BJP regime and have not been accommodated in boards, corporations or political appointments.
His statement struck a chord with many within the party’s lower ranks, who have long expressed similar frustrations in private.

“The real strength of the Congress lies in its workers. They fought when no one else did. Yet today, they are unheard,” Rathore declared.

Cabinet Colleagues Disagree Publicly

When questioned about the comments, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri chose to distance himself: “Ask the one who made the remark. Why should I answer?”
His evasive response could be interpreted by many as an attempt to sidestep growing unrest within the party ranks, said a senior Congress leader.

In stark contrast, Cabinet Minister Jagat Singh Negi backed Rathore’s remarks, signaling a subtle alignment with the dissenting voice: “Kuldeep Rathore is a senior leader, a former state president, and a legislator. If he has raised an issue, there must be substance to it.”

The difference in response from two senior ministers has reignited speculation of a silent power tussle and deepening factionalism within the Himachal Pradesh Congress.

Rathore’s statements echoes similar concerns raised earlier by Himachal Congress president Pratibha Singh, who has repeatedly flagged the issue of growing dissatisfaction among party workers.

Munish Sood