Himachal Minister Extends Support to Colleague Amid Officer Dispute
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has publicly backed his cabinet colleague, Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh. Thakur urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to address Singh's concerns regarding officers from outside the state.
Minister Calls for CM Intervention
Speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Sabha building on Friday, Rohit Thakur emphasized the need for resolution. "We shouldn't generalise the PWD minister's statement," Thakur stated. "He is an efficient minister and I urge the CM to intervene and clear the doubts of the minister due to which such remarks were made."
Thakur further clarified that negative thinking among officers is not limited to All India Services personnel. "If we talk about negativity on the part of officers, it couldn't be confined only to the All India Services' officers," he added. "Officers with negative thinking can be from anywhere in the country, including Himachal Pradesh."
Vikramaditya Singh's Allegations
The controversy began on Tuesday when Vikramaditya Singh made serious allegations. He claimed that some IAS and IPS officers from outside Himachal Pradesh were engaging in unfair practices. Specifically, Singh accused officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar of misusing central funds and undermining the state's interests.
"Some officers from UP and Bihar are indulging in unfair distribution of public funds," Singh asserted. He pledged to expose these officials at an appropriate time, sparking a heated debate within the state administration.
Mixed Reactions Within Congress
While Thakur supported his colleague, other Congress leaders expressed different views. Suresh Kumar, Congress MLA from Bhoranj, sided with the bureaucrats. "It is the responsibility of ministers to control and guide officers," Kumar stated in Hamirpur. "If a minister is unable to perform this role effectively, he should introspect instead of blaming others."
Kumar argued that effective ministerial performance naturally leads to proper officer functioning. His comments highlight the division within the party regarding the handling of administrative matters.
Opposition Criticizes Government Chaos
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur launched a sharp attack on the Congress government. Speaking in Kullu, he condemned the ongoing conflict between ministers and bureaucrats. "Governments were formed to resolve public issues, but the situation in Himachal Pradesh is just the opposite," Thakur declared.
He described a complete erosion of governmental authority. "Ministers and bureaucrats are at loggerheads openly, with ministers blaming officers for non-performance and officers are not willing to listen to their political bosses," Thakur observed. He added that some influential officers now effectively run the government, spending hours with the chief minister.
Earlier Criticism from Cabinet Colleagues
Before Thakur's support, other ministers had criticized Vikramaditya Singh's remarks. Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi both termed the statements unfortunate. Anirudh Singh emphasized that ministers should know how to make officers work effectively.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani also condemned the public comments. He suggested that instead of making statements on social media, the PWD minister should directly approach the chief minister with his concerns.
BJP Highlights Government Disarray
BJP state vice-president Bihari Lal Sharma commented on the apparent lack of coordination within the government. "The recent statements have exposed the lack of coordination between Vikramaditya, Negi and Anirudh Singh," Sharma stated. He noted that contradictory statements from different ministers highlight the chaotic condition of the administration.
The growing public disagreements among ministers reveal significant tensions within the Himachal Pradesh government. The situation continues to develop as various stakeholders weigh in on the proper relationship between political leaders and administrative officers.
