In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has allotted cabinet rank to parliamentary secretaries, a decision that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims flies in the face of the Congress party's repeated calls to end VIP culture.
Controversy Over Cabinet Rank Allotment
The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has decided to grant cabinet rank to parliamentary secretaries. This decision has been met with strong opposition from the BJP, which accuses the Congress of betraying its own principles. The BJP has pointed out that the Congress had previously advocated for the abolition of VIP culture, yet now it is perpetuating it by awarding cabinet ranks to parliamentary secretaries.
BJP's Criticism
Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur lambasted the move, stating that it is a clear contradiction of the Congress's stance. "The Congress party has always spoken against VIP culture, but now they are doing exactly what they criticised. This shows their hypocrisy," Thakur said. He further argued that such decisions waste public money and undermine the spirit of austerity that the Congress had promised.
Congress's Defense
In response, the Congress party defended the decision, stating that it is a routine administrative matter. Chief Minister Sukhu argued that the cabinet rank is not a new creation but a continuation of a practice that existed in previous governments. He emphasised that the parliamentary secretaries are being given this rank to ensure smooth functioning of the government. "This is not about VIP culture; it is about efficiency and coordination," Sukhu said.
Political Implications
The controversy has significant political implications in Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress government is relatively new. The BJP is using this issue to corner the ruling party and highlight what it perceives as a deviation from its electoral promises. Political analysts believe that this issue could impact the Congress's image among voters who had hoped for a change in the state's political culture.
The decision has also sparked a debate within the Congress party itself, with some members expressing discomfort over the move. However, the party leadership has rallied behind the Chief Minister, insisting that the decision is within the framework of the law and administrative necessity.
As the political tussle continues, the people of Himachal Pradesh are watching closely to see whether the Congress government will stick to its anti-VIP culture stance or continue with practices it once condemned.
