Missing Name, Rising Rift: Vikramaditya Singh’s Omission from Plaques Triggers Political Storm

Mandi: A fresh controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh after Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s name was conspicuously missing from inaugural plaques of multiple developmental projects unveiled by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the Shivratri celebrations in Mandi.

The omission has reignited speculation of growing tensions between Sukhu and the late Virbhadra Singh’s family, as many of the projects fall under the Public Works Department (PWD) led by Vikramaditya.

Among the projects inaugurated were a ₹12.44 crore bridge on the Mandi-Kamand-Katola-Bajora road, a ₹1.33 crore DNA block at the regional forensic lab, and several road infrastructure developments. Two new public libraries were also dedicated to the public.

While the occasion was meant to showcase the state’s development efforts, the glaring exclusion of Vikramaditya Singh’s name has overshadowed the event, stirring political discontent.

Political Firestorm Over ‘Deliberate’ Omission

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize on the controversy, with its state chief spokesperson and Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal calling it an “intentional slight.”

“This is not an oversight; it is a calculated move. If these projects come under PWD, how can the department’s minister be ignored? Who ordered this, and why?” Jamwal questioned.

Adding to the intrigue, local BJP MLA Anil Sharma’s name was found on some plaques, despite being from the opposition. “If an opposition leader’s name can be included, why was the sitting PWD minister’s name left out? This raises serious questions about Congress’s internal politics,” Jamwal added.

Old Factional Feud Resurfaces

The power struggle between Sukhu and the Virbhadra Singh faction is no secret. Virbhadra Singh, a six-time chief minister, was a towering figure in Himachal politics, and his family continues to wield considerable influence.

Sukhu, who built his political career independently within Congress, has often been accused of sidelining the Virbhadra camp.

The exclusion of Vikramaditya’s name is being widely interpreted as a strategic move to weaken his position. Jamwal noted, “This is Congress’s internal power game.

Sukhu wants complete control over the party and is undermining Vikramaditya Singh’s influence. The high command’s silence on this matter is even more telling.”

BJP Watches as Congress Rift Widens

The controversy comes at a time when Himachal Congress is grappling with internal crises, particularly after six Congress MLAs cross-voted in the March 2024 Rajya Sabha elections, helping the BJP.

“Congress is imploding under its own factionalism,” Jamwal asserted. “Sukhu is eliminating potential rivals within his party, even at the cost of unity. This will only alienate voters further.”

With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on Vikramaditya Singh’s next move. Will he confront the party leadership, or will Congress attempt to douse the flames before the rift deepens? Meanwhile, BJP is closely watching, ready to capitalize on the internal discord ahead of the upcoming elections.

Munish Sood