Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar on Saturday distanced himself from the recent remarks made by his son and former MLA, Neeraj Bharti, regarding the functioning of the Congress party. Chander Kumar stated that while the Congress respects freedom of expression, Bharti's statements neither represent the party's official position nor are they justified.
The minister's statement comes a day after the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) accepted Bharti's resignation as vice-president of the state Congress unit. Bharti has recently been critical of the state government and the party leadership, making several public accusations that have drawn attention.
Chander Kumar emphasized that the Congress party and the government function on the principles of discipline and collective responsibility. He noted that if Bharti had concerns about the party's functioning, he should have raised them before the leadership through appropriate organizational channels rather than making public comments. The minister added that having served as a public representative and as the state Congress vice-president, Bharti was expected to act with greater responsibility and restraint.
Kumar further stated that public accusations and counter-accusations have not only harmed the image of the party but also affected Bharti's own political standing. Reiterating the Congress party's commitment to its core values, Kumar said the state government remains focused on fulfilling its promises and strengthening the rural economy.
Neeraj Bharti Expelled from Congress
In a related development, the District Congress Committee of Kangra on Saturday expelled former chief parliamentary secretary Neeraj Bharti from the primary membership of the Congress party for six years, effective immediately. A letter issued by Congress MP and party's Kangra district president, Anuraj Sharma, mentioned that Bharti had been expelled considering the anti-party activities and conduct found against organizational discipline and party interests. The expulsion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions within the state Congress unit.
