Munish Sood
Shimla
A late-night social media post by Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has triggered a fresh political storm in the state after he openly targeted what he described as an “outside officers lobby” in the administration and extended strong public support to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri’s hard line against sections of the bureaucracy.
In a strongly worded message posted close to midnight, Singh accused senior IAS and IPS officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of undermining Himachal’s interests and weakening the spirit of Himachaliyat, warning that timely action was necessary to protect the state’s political and administrative sovereignty.
“Some senior IAS and IPS officers from UP and Bihar are damaging Himachaliyat in Himachal. They have little concern for Himachal and its people. It is necessary to deal with them in time, otherwise Himachal’s interests will suffer,” Singh wrote.
While asserting respect for officers from other states, the minister said they must learn from Himachali officers and work with sensitivity towards local culture, people and priorities.
“We fully respect officers from other states, but they need to learn from Himachali officers. Any compromise with Himachal’s interests will not be tolerated,” he said.
In a direct message to the bureaucracy, Singh added that officers posted in Himachal must serve the people and not behave like rulers.
“As long as you are in Himachal, serve the people of Himachal. Do not make the mistake of acting like rulers,” he wrote, ending the post with the slogans “Jai Shri Ram — Jai Hind.”
What Mukesh Agnihotri Said in Mandi
The controversy traces back to the Congress government’s three-year celebration function held at Paddal Ground in Mandi, where Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri delivered one of his most aggressive political speeches so far.
Speaking from the stage in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and senior party leaders, Agnihotri accused certain senior officers of conspiring against the elected government. He alleged that some officers were maintaining links with BJP leaders and working against the interests of the Congress government despite being part of the state administration.
Agnihotri warned that such officers would not be spared and that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to destabilise the government. He openly told the chief minister that governance could not function in this manner and that firm control over the administration was necessary.
He said the government must exercise its authority strongly and ensure that no officer works against the political mandate given by the people.
In unusually strong language, Agnihotri declared that he was not afraid of anyone and would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the government or its leadership.
Direct Message to the Bureaucracy
The deputy chief minister’s speech was widely seen as a direct challenge to the state bureaucracy. His remarks suggested that a section of senior officers was operating beyond political control and influencing decision-making from the capital.
He accused these officers of delaying projects, creating hurdles in the implementation of government schemes and weakening the authority of elected representatives. His statement intensified the debate over whether real power in the state is gradually shifting from political leadership to a small group of influential IAS officers.
Pressure on the Chief Minister
Agnihotri’s public appeal to Chief Minister Sukhu from the stage itself added another political layer to the controversy. By urging the chief minister to take firm control of the administration, he indirectly questioned the functioning style of the government.
Within political circles, the speech is being seen as a signal that all is not well inside the ruling Congress and that senior ministers are unhappy with the growing influence of bureaucratic officers in governance.
Political Impact of Vikramaditya’s Support
Vikramaditya Singh’s late-night post has now added fresh momentum to the issue. His public backing of Agnihotri is being viewed as a clear political alignment and a message that a powerful section of the Congress leadership stands firmly behind the deputy chief minister.
The episode has also revived discussions about factional politics within the party, with observers noting that senior leaders are increasingly using public platforms to send political signals rather than resolving issues internally.
With two senior cabinet ministers now openly targeting sections of the bureaucracy, the political temperature in Himachal Pradesh has risen sharply, setting the stage for a major confrontation over administrative control and governance authority in the state.
