Himachal CM Sukhu should resign over Pahalgam attack: Congress-ruled Jharkhand minister’s demand stuns all

Ranchi/Shimla, April 25: In a display of geographical confusion, Jharkhand minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, part of the Congress alliance-led state government, has demanded the resignation of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over a terror attack that happened in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

Twentysix persons, mostly tourists, were gunned down mercilessly by terrorists in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
What appears to be a case of either poor briefings or zero fact-checking, Sonu seemed convinced that Pahalgam — located in Kashmir’s Anantnag district — is somehow under Sukhu’s jurisdiction in Himachal Pradesh.

His remarks have triggered widespread amusement and criticism alike.

Probably unaware that Pahalgam isn’t in Himachal

While addressing reporters in Lohardaga, Sudivya Kumar Sonu expressed deep anguish over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives.
However, what began as an emotional response took a wildly inaccurate turn when he said, “This is an extremely unfortunate incident. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu must take responsibility and resign. He has failed to protect citizens.”

The statement, made on camera, has since gone viral, with many questioning whether the minister was even aware of where the attack took place.
Political commentators say this may be the first instance of a state minister publicly blaming a completely unrelated chief minister for an attack in another state — without any explanation or correction.

From Pahalgam to Shimla: Geography takes a political detour

It wasn’t just the statement that raised eyebrows — it was the confidence. The minister seemed entirely sure of his assessment, confidently linking Pahalgam to Himachal.
Social media users were quick to joke that even Google Maps might be second-guessing itself after Sonu’s comments. Memes circulated wildly, with many tagging his brand of politics as “sensation over sense.”

The attack itself, which happened in Kashmir’s picturesque Baisaran, a major tourist destination, was condemned across the country.
But the demand for Himachal’s CM to step down has confused even political analysts, who called it “a geography fail of epic proportions.”

Who is Sudivya Kumar Sonu? A Look at the Minister Behind the Gaffe

Born in Giridih, Jharkhand, in 1970, Sudivya Kumar Sonu is a senior leader from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), part of the ruling coalition with Congress in the state.
He currently holds key portfolios, including Urban Development, Higher and Technical Education, Tourism, Art and Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs.

A two-time MLA and close aide of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Sonu has had a long political journey, beginning in 1989. Despite his experience, this incident has placed him under national spotlight — for reasons he likely didn’t intend.

TNR News Network