The State of Congress Party in Himachal Pradesh: Political Turmoil and the Road Ahead
Himachal Pradesh, located in northern India, has long been associated with the Indian National Congress (Congress Party) in terms of political governance. However, recent political developments and internal controversies have raised questions about the party's stronghold in the state. This article delves into the current political landscape of Himachal Pradesh, examining internal conflicts, leadership issues, and future prospects.
Political Instability in Himachal Pradesh
Despite being in power, the Congress Party currently faces significant political turmoil. This is evidenced by the recent Rajya Sabha election results and subsequent actions by its members. Notably, six MLAs from the Congress party and three independents voted for the BJP candidate, Harsh Mahajan, who was initially not a part of the race. This defection led to an unexpected outcome, with Congress losing despite having a strong presence in the 68-member Legislative Assembly.
In another twist, nine MLAs crossed the floor, further damning the Congress candidate. Post-election, six Congress MLAs and three independents moved to Haryana for provisions under CRPF custody.
Adding to these developments, the son of Mr. Virbhadra Singh, Vikramaditya, has tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, citing dissatisfaction. Additionally, his mother, Pratibha Singh, who serves as the state president of the Congress Party and MP from Mandi Lok Sabha, has demonstrated signs of rebellion against the current administration.
Internal Strife and Consequences
The current internal strife within the Congress Party in Himachal Pradesh can be attributed to several factors.
1. Autocratic Leadership of Sukhu
Chief Minister Sukhu has been criticized for adopting an autocratic approach within the party. He has appointed close associates as ministers, disregarding the input of senior leaders. This has led to a situation where the voice of party leaders is often ignored. For instance, Anirudh Singh and Rohit Thakur, who have no ministerial experience, were given key portfolios due to their closeness to the Chief Minister, while more experienced leaders like Sudhir Sharma and Rajinder Rana were disregarded.
Vikramaditya Singh, in a recent interview, alleged that the government has failed to keep its promises to the youth, including job placements and educational reforms.
2. Failure to Fulfill Promises
During the 2022 Legislative Assembly elections, the Congress party made several grand promises to the people of Himachal Pradesh. However, after 14 months in power, the government has failed to deliver on these promises. One of the most disappointing failures is the Congress's promise to provide employment to 500,000 youth in the next five years. Even after 14 months, they have been unable to provide employment to more than 1,000 individuals.
Another significant issue is the hasty abolition of HPSSC, which halted recruitment for class 3 and class 4 jobs in Himachal. Despite promises to restore the process for recruitment in various technical and support roles, the government has yet to address this. As a result, aspirants for these positions are conducting hunger strikes near the HP Vidhan Sabha, enduring harsh conditions.
The party has also failed to honor its commitment to providing Rs. 15,000 to women between the ages of 18 and 60. This indicates a clear gap in the party's ability to deliver on its campaign promises.
3. Political Ambition and Power Struggle
Vikramaditya Singh is eyeing a future where his mother, Pratibha Singh, serves as Chief Minister. This ambition has created a power struggle within the party, highlighting the dynastic influence in Congress. The party's internal division could potentially lead to a rift, further weakening the party's position in the state.
It remains unclear whether Sukhu will complete his five-year tenure. However, the speculation is that the current government may be replaced by the BJP in the near future. The coming days will provide clearer indications of the political future of Himachal Pradesh.
Conclusion
The current state of the Congress Party in Himachal Pradesh is a reflection of internal conflict and challenges. The party's autocratic leadership, failure to fulfill campaign promises, and power struggles could lead to further weakening of its stronghold. The future of the party in Himachal Pradesh hinged on resolving these issues and regaining trust from the electorate.