Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has launched a blistering attack on the newly appointed District Congress Committee (DCC) president of Kinnaur, Nigam Bhandari, labeling him a “B team of the BJP” and a “sleeper cell within the party.” The outburst on Thursday has sparked a fresh controversy within the state Congress unit.
Minister’s Strong Reaction
Speaking to the media in Shimla, Negi did not mince words. “He is a parachute candidate, a B team of the BJP, and a sleeper cell within our party,” Negi said. The minister, who hails from Kinnaur, expressed deep displeasure over the appointment made on Wednesday, claiming he was not consulted and that Bhandari had never supported him in elections.
“I have fought several elections, but he never came out to support me. How can a person with whom I am not even on talking terms become the president of my district?” Negi questioned.
Allegations of BJP Links
Negi went further, alleging that Bhandari had ties with the BJP and had never participated in any anti-BJP protests. “We staged several protests against the BJP when we were in the Opposition and many cases were registered against us. Has he ever made a single statement against the BJP? Does he have even one case registered against him?” Negi asked. He claimed that such appointments demoralize dedicated Congress workers and described Bhandari as the kind of “sleeper cell” that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi often warns about.
Party Leadership Downplays Row
State Congress leadership, however, sought to downplay the controversy. Vinod Zinta, organisational secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), said, “Some differences are bound to arise among party workers. It is not a major issue and will soon die down.”
Bhandari’s Response
Nigam Bhandari, who currently serves as national general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and previously headed the Himachal Pradesh Youth Congress, declined to directly respond to the allegations. “All I can say is that the party high command has entrusted me with a major responsibility, and we need to work together for the organisation,” Bhandari said. He added that he respects Negi as a senior leader and will meet him to resolve any concerns.
