Shimla, Feb 29: In a significant turn of events, Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, has withdrawn his resignation amidst a brewing political crisis. Earlier tendering his resignation on Wednesday, Vikramaditya Singh has since retracted his decision. The announcement came after Congress observers convened with party MLAs in Shimla, excluding the six members who had cross-voted in the recent Rajya Sabha polls.
Speaking to reporters, Himachal Congress in-charge Rajeev Shukla confirmed Vikramaditya Singh’s withdrawal of resignation, emphasizing the primacy of the organization over individual personas. Shukla asserted that there is no crisis for the Sukwinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh.
Vikramaditya Singh’s emotional resignation earlier in the day highlighted his dismay over recent developments and attempts to undermine his position. Expressing deep hurt, he recalled communicating the situation to Congress leadership including Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi.
The crisis within the Congress unfolded following the loss of a Rajya Sabha seat to the BJP, with six Congress MLAs crossing party lines during the polls. Despite the setback, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu affirmed his resilience, vowing to confront the challenges and maintain majority support in the Legislative Assembly.
Efforts to address the crisis swiftly ensued with senior Congress leaders, Rajiv Shukla and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, dispatched to Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, Congress Observers DK Shivkumar and Bhupendra Singh Hooda held consultations with party MLAs in Shimla, preparing to submit their report to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
The observers’ engagement with MLAs included one-on-one meetings aimed at gathering insights and feedback, although the six legislators who defied the party had already departed for Panchkula, Haryana. Sources revealed ongoing discussions during the meetings, with indications that some rebel members remain in communication with Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Congress leadership.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, among those who met the observers, hinted at ongoing efforts to resolve internal dissent within the party ranks.
Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving political landscape in Himachal Pradesh.
