THE NEWS FREEDOM
SHIMLA/CHANDIGARH, MARCH 2
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday assured that the majority of the Congress party remains united, with only a minority expressing discontent over minor issues. Sukhi emphasized his commitment to resolving any lingering grievances among the dissenting faction. Despite this, dissenting voices persist as rebels accuse the government of neglecting crucial issues and disrespecting them.
Talking to the media, Sukhu said that the party remains cohesive, with 80 percent of the Congress members standing united. He acknowledged a minor dissent among the remaining 20 percent, primarily stemming from insignificant concerns, affirming his commitment to resolving any outstanding issues within the faction.
Addressing concerns raised by the BJP regarding purported factionalism within the Congress and its potential impact on the state government’s stability, the Chief Minister pointed out that the BJP managed to secure a victory in the lone Rajya Sabha seat through cross-voting, a situation Sukhi asserted would not repeat. He asserted that the situation is under control, as evidenced by the successful passage of the Finance budget in the Assembly. During the recent finance budget session, 15 out of 25 BJP MLAs were suspended, with the remaining BJP and independent MLAs abstaining from voting. “We maintain the majority,” he affirmed.
On the other hand, talking to the media disqualified Congress MLA Rajinder Rana voices strong criticism against the Himachal Pradesh government led by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that it is not truly a Congress-led government but rather one dominated by Sukhvinder Sukhu’s inner circle. Expressing concern over various issues plaguing the state, Rana emphasizes that the current situation is well-documented. He highlights the plight of the youth, who are left waiting for exam results while facing uncertain futures. Rana also accuses the government of failing to fulfill its promises to the public and mistreating certain elected representatives.
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Two factions within the Congress are exchanging allegations and counter-allegations against each other. During a public rally in Dharampur yesterday, Chief Minister Sukhi referred to rebel MLAs as “kaale naag” (black serpents) for their alleged betrayal in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. He had reaffirmed his government’s commitment to completing its full term and warned of consequences for those who breached the party’s trust, insinuating that individuals who accepted bribes to betray the party are now facing sleepless nights.
In contrast, state Congress president Pratibha Singh on Friday praised the BJP’s efforts, acknowledging their superior performance. Expressing concern over the Congress’s precarious position, she anticipated significant action from the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Meanwhile, her son, Vikramaditya Singh, held discussions with six disqualified Congress legislators in Chandigarh before heading to Delhi for talks with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.