Himachal minister rejects son’s charges against CM
Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Condemns Son’s Allegations Against Chief Minister
Himachal minister rejects son s charges – Chander Kumar, the state’s agriculture minister, denounced the claims by his son and former MLA Neeraj Bharti against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as “unsubstantiated and lacking factual basis.” The accusations, which target the administration, were reportedly made public after Bharti’s resignation from the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) vice-presidency on Thursday.
Resignation and Social Media Blockade
Bharti stepped down as vice-president of the HPCC, handing his resignation to state unit president Vinay Kumar and district president Anurag Sharma. This followed Sharma’s issuance of a show-cause notice for Bharti’s repeated criticism of the government on social media. The party formally accepted the resignation on Friday, and Bharti’s online accounts were subsequently restricted after a series of sharp posts critical of the administration.
“Allegations without facts harm the reputation of both the party and the government,” Kumar stated during a media briefing in Shimla. “While the Congress operates democratically, members should voice concerns through internal party channels, not public platforms.”
Leadership’s Stance on Public Criticism
The minister emphasized that the leadership is addressing the issue with seriousness, aiming to resolve it through discussion. He noted that while opposition is expected, senior party officials should not launch attacks on their own government using public rhetoric, which he called “unacceptable.” In his resignation letter, Bharti criticized the current administration for failing to support grassroots workers who had worked to secure the government’s victory.
“The present leadership offers only excuses and justifications for its shortcomings,” Bharti wrote, comparing Sukhu’s governance to his earlier tenure as chief parliamentary secretary under Virbhadra Singh. “They claim shortages are due to lack of funds, but this does not absolve them of responsibility.”
Opposition Seizes the Moment
The fallout has highlighted internal divisions within the Congress party. Former state leader Pratibha Singh echoed Bharti’s sentiments, stressing that those who contributed to the party’s success deserve recognition and respect. Meanwhile, BJP MP Harsh Mahajan defended Bharti, asserting that he speaks candidly about governance issues and that critics of the Sukhu government face threats of legal action.
“Democracy and the judiciary remain intact,” Mahajan argued. “Anyone who criticizes the administration is not silenced without cause.”
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also weighed in, calling the allegations “embarrassing” and warning that the CM’s inability to address the accusations may eventually expose the government’s vulnerabilities.