While CM Sukhu continues attacking the BJP, dissent within Congress surfaces publicly
Munish Sood
Mandi
Even as Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu continues to maintain an aggressive stance against the BJP, voices of dissent within the Congress are becoming increasingly visible. In a significant political development, senior Congress leader, eight-time MLA, former minister, and former state party president Kaul Singh Thakur has openly questioned the functioning of the Sukhu-led government from a public platform.
Addressing a gathering in the Drang assembly constituency, Kaul Singh Thakur drew a sharp comparison between the current administration and the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, stating that governance under the latter was far more efficient and result-oriented.
“What is the point if work is not getting done?”
In a candid and hard-hitting remark, Kaul Singh said that even within his own government, execution of work has slowed down significantly.
He pointed out that files approved by the Chief Minister are often left pending for months.
“In the present government, even after the Chief Minister writes ‘approved’, no action is taken for three months. During Virbhadra Singh’s tenure, action would be taken within two days,” he said.
Recalling the administrative efficiency of the former Chief Minister, he added that once Virbhadra Singh approved a file, orders would be issued without delay.
Allegations of Administrative Breakdown
Kaul Singh further alleged a serious disconnect between the Chief Minister’s office and the bureaucracy, suggesting that approved decisions are getting stuck at the administrative level.
Citing an example from his constituency, he said that recommendations made for appointing school principals were not implemented properly. Instead, one principal was transferred to Kibber in Kaza and another to Panjai, raising questions about how such decisions were taken despite approvals.
He said the matter has already been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister, but no corrective steps have been taken so far.
Claims of Favouritism
In a more serious allegation, the veteran Congress leader claimed that while party workers are struggling to get legitimate work done, BJP workers are allegedly getting their work cleared quickly.
Such claims, if amplified politically, could deepen discomfort within the ruling party.
Anger Brewing Among Party Workers
Kaul Singh also highlighted growing resentment among party workers, particularly in the Drang region, where several schools continue to face a shortage of teachers.
He noted that teachers who were promoted have been posted outside the constituency, leaving local institutions understaffed.
“People approach me with their problems, but all I can do is forward their requests. Even after the Chief Minister’s approval, work is not happening. This has created anger among workers,” he said.
Political Ripples Across the State
The statement by Kaul Singh Thakur, made openly at a public gathering, has triggered political ripples across Himachal Pradesh. The video of his remarks has started circulating widely on social media, adding to the pressure on the state leadership.
The development is being seen as a clear indication of internal dissatisfaction within the Congress, particularly among senior leaders, at a time when the Sukhu government is already facing opposition criticism over governance and financial management.
A Warning Sign for the Sukhu Government
Political observers believe that such open criticism from a senior leader like Kaul Singh Thakur is not an isolated incident but could signal deeper cracks within the party.
While Chief Minister Sukhu continues to target the BJP aggressively in public discourse, the emerging criticism from within his own party may prove more challenging to address.
If not handled carefully, this internal dissent could evolve into a larger political challenge for the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.
