Dharamshala: Political barbs are intensifying in Himachal Pradesh as the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government nears its two-year mark. On Monday, senior BJP leader and Jaswan-Paragpur MLA Bikram Thakur launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Sukhu in his home district of Hamirpur. However, the response from Congress leaders has been uneven, with notable silence from Sukhu’s own bastion.
Breaking the quiet, Congress leader RS Bali stepped into the fray on Tuesday, countering Bikram Thakur’s allegations from Kangra. During a press conference at Dhauladhar Hotel, Bali directly addressed Thakur’s claims, demanding evidence in the form of an affidavit.
“Bikram Thakur is a senior leader. If he is claiming that the government is planning to sell state properties or has submitted false documents in court, he must substantiate these allegations with an affidavit. I challenge him to do so,” Bali asserted, positioning himself as a defender of the Congress government.
This marked Bali’s third press conference in recent weeks countering BJP leaders. Previously, he had responded to allegations by BJP’s Rakesh Pathania and Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma. His proactive stance contrasts sharply with the lack of visible support from Congress leaders in Hamirpur, who have been conspicuously absent in defending Sukhu amid political attacks.
Sukhu, alone Warrior in Crisis ?
Chief Minister Sukhu has often found himself standing alone in defense of his government. From controversies over the “samosa investigation” to the toilet tax debacle, criticisms during Haryana elections, and even administrative notices to bus drivers, Sukhu’s party colleagues have largely avoided taking a public stand.
While the state government plans to celebrate its two-year milestone with an event in Bilaspur, the lack of vocal support from prominent Congress leaders has raised eyebrows.
In Kangra, which boasts a strong Congress presence with leaders like Bhawani Pathania, Kewal Pathania, Ashish Butail, Yadvinder Goma, and Chander Kumar, the situation is no different. Although Kewal Pathania and Chander Kumar have addressed a few press conferences, they have refrained from stepping up during critical moments. This silence has allowed BJP leaders to dominate the narrative.
Broader Political Implications*
The unfolding dynamics in Himachal reflect broader trends in national politics. Much like Sukhu, Congress stalwarts like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge often face criticism for inadequate grassroots mobilization among party cadres. The lack of coordinated responses from regional leaders mirrors challenges faced by the Congress on a national scale, where state units often struggle to present a unified front.
As Himachal gears up for the government’s two-year celebrations, the question remains: will Sukhu’s party leaders rally behind him, or will the CM continue to navigate political storms alone? For now, the silence from Hamirpur remains deafening.
