Sudhir Sharma doesn’t spare CM even on Raksha Bandhan, tells Himachal women to ask Sukhu where are promised Rs 1,500

TNR News Network
Shimla:
The never-ending war of words between Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Dharamsala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma escalated yet again on Saturday (August 9, 2025), with the two leaders exchanging fresh barbs even on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

In a Facebook post, Sudhir Sharma wished the women of Himachal on the festival — but with a sting. “I am sure the entire ‘matrashakti’ of the state must have received the Rs 1,500 promised by the Chief Minister brother. Wishing you all a very happy Raksha Bandhan,” he wrote in Hindi, in a clear swipe at Sukhu over the government’s partially fulfilled poll promise of monthly aid to women.

Sukhu questions source of Sudhir’s donations

Earlier, CM Sukhu had targeted Sudhir Sharma over his hefty donations — Rs 51 lakh for disaster-hit residents of Seraj and Rs 21 lakh for another cause. “I don’t think he has withdrawn that much from his bank account. We will have to see where this money has come from and whether it is linked to his switching parties,” Sukhu alleged, also reviving old accusations about Kangra Bank funds being distributed during Sudhir Sharma’s wife’s byelection. “Khud miyan fazihat, auron ko naseehat (One who himself is in disgrace, preaches others),” the CM quipped.

Feud rooted in cross-voting saga

The animosity between the two has been simmering since the February 27, 2024, Rajya Sabha elections, when Sudhir Sharma and five other Congress MLAs cross-voted in favour of BJP’s Harsh Mahajan, leading to the defeat of Congress nominee Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The very next day, all six skipped the budget session and were disqualified by Speaker Kuldeep Pathania. Since then, Sukhu and Sharma’s exchanges have grown increasingly personal, often laced with sarcasm, allegations and counter-allegations.