Munish Sood & S Gopal Puri
Hamirpur: The controversy surrounding Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s alleged stay in five-star hotels has ignited political tensions, with former Congress MLA and BJP leader Rajinder Rana accusing Sukhu of indulging in luxury at a time when the state is grappling with financial distress.
While BJP leaders criticised the Congress government for alleged hypocrisy, Congress supporters have defended CM Sukhu, labelling the accusations as politically motivated. However, the silence of the Congress leaders mandated to speak officially on such matters has raised questions about the party’s strategy.
Adding to the political storm is a social media post by Yashpal Sharma, a key member of CM Sukhu’s team and a former journalist. Sharma even cited a 2009 “hotel scandal” during the BJP rule, stating, “Rana ji, maaf karna, hotel mein kya hua tha” in an apparent counter to Rana’s allegations. The 2009 incident, which had briefly embroiled Rana, ended with a clean chit for him. While Sharma’s post aimed to deflect attention, it has reopened old debates, drawing mixed reactions from Congress supporters and opposition critics alike.
BJP alleges misuse of resources for personal comfort
In his Sunday video statement, Rajinder Rana questioned whether Sukhu’s luxury hotel stays were funded through public resources or private means. “The Chief Minister must clarify how such extravagance aligns with his image of simplicity and the state’s financial challenges,” Rana said. He accused Sukhu of hypocrisy, alleging that while the Chief Minister advocates austerity, his actions suggest otherwise.
The BJP has further criticised the Congress government for what it calls a moral disconnect, arguing that leaders indulging in luxury cannot enforce financial discipline across the state. Rana’s remarks are part of the BJP’s broader strategy to corner the Congress government and raise doubts about its accountability.
Congress’s silence a tactical move or misstep?
Congress leaders have refrained from addressing the allegations directly, a decision that some interpret it as strategic caution while others see it as evasiveness. Sukhu’s supporters argue that his personal lifestyle choices should not be conflated with governance. Critics, however, suggest that the silence may reflect deeper unease within the party or an attempt to avoid escalating the controversy.
Legal experts stress that allegations of impropriety must be backed by evidence before any definitive conclusions are drawn. The Congress’ reluctance to respond, however, risks being perceived as a lack of transparency, potentially eroding public trust in its leadership, said an analyst.
Threatens to overshadow governance narrative
The controversy threatens to overshadow the Congress’ governance narrative in Himachal Pradesh. Political analysts caution that the party must address the issue proactively to prevent further damage to its credibility.
