Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, DK Shivakumar, Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rajeev Shukla during a meeting in Shimla. (ANI)
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu successfully quelled
rebellion
within his govt on Wednesday as
Vikramaditya Singh
, son of former CM late Virbhadra Singh, retracted his decision to resign from the council of ministers.
Sukhu was in trouble following cross-voting by six
Congress MLAs
, enabling BJP to secure victory in Rajya Sabha polls in the hill state the previous day.
The crisis intensified Wednesday morning when Vikramaditya, the 34-year-old son of state PCC chief Pratibha Singh, emotionally announced his
resignation
during a press conference at the assembly complex, citing humiliation.
Vikramaditya, flanked by Congress MLAs Nand Lal from Rampur and Mohan Lal Brakta from Rohru, levelled serious allegations against his own govt, including financial mismanagement and attempts to undermine his authority as PWD minister. He said he knew where to draw the "Lakshman Rekha".
He lamented the lack of coordination within the cabinet over the past 14 months and highlighted the neglect of Congress MLAs by Sukhu's govt. Vikramaditya also expressed disappointment over the disregard for his father's contributions and aspirations.
Rajya Sabha Election 2024: Congress emerges victorious securing three seats, BJP bags one
However, after deliberations with Congress observers, Vikramaditya declared in the evening that he would not push for his resignation. Emphasising the primacy of the organisation over individuals, he expressed readiness to move forward and serve the people. "I want to forget the differences and move ahead," said the MLA for Shimla Rural constituency.
Later, CM Sukhu described Vikramaditya as his "younger brother" and reiterated his commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the minister, signalling a concerted effort to maintain unity within the party and govt.
English (US) ·