Himachal CM embarks on Maldives trip with family amid Congress restructuring talks; BJP slams ‘ill-timed’ vacation

MANDI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has left for a five-day foreign visit to the Maldives along with his family even as crucial discussions regarding restricting of the state Congress organisation are pending. He is expected to return to the state on February 23.

Accompanying him on the trip is his wife Kamlesh Thakur, who also serves as an MLA from Dehra. Before departing for the Maldives, the Chief Minister held key meetings with Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajni Patil in Delhi.

The discussions primarily focused on the much-anticipated reorganisation of the state party unit, which has remained in limbo since its dissolution by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge three months ago.

Congress state chief pushing for early restructuring

Sources said the talks also covered the issue of pending appointments to various vacant posts in the state government and its departments. The absence of key officials, including a cabinet minister, the chief whip and heads of several departments, has reportedly slowed administrative work.

Congress state president Pratibha Singh has been actively pushing for the swift appointment of party officials and filling the vacant government positions since the party assumed power.

Opposition BJP questions CM’s priorities

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in criticising CM Sukhu’s foreign visit, calling it “insensitive” given the current administrative vacuum in the state.

BJP leaders questioned the Chief Minister’s priorities, accusing him of neglecting urgent governance matters for a personal vacation.

“At a time when crucial posts in the government are lying vacant and the party organisation remains directionless, the Chief Minister choosing leisure over leadership is disappointing,” remarked a senior BJP leader.

The BJP also raised concerns about the delay in appointing key officials, claiming it was hampering governance and causing discontent among party workers and the public alike.

Meanwhile, Congress insiders defended Sukhu’s visit, stating it was a “pre-planned family trip” and that administrative functions continue to run smoothly in his absence.

Munish Sood(Mandi)