Himachal Minister's Comments on Bureaucrats Trigger Internal Government Conflict
The political atmosphere in Himachal Pradesh grew tense on Thursday as a public disagreement among cabinet ministers escalated. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh found himself facing criticism from his own colleagues over recent statements about bureaucratic officers.
Third Minister Voices Disapproval
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani became the third minister in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's cabinet to openly criticize Vikramaditya Singh's remarks. Dharmani expressed strong disagreement with how the issue was handled.
"If Minister Vikramaditya had concerns about any officer's performance, he should have raised the matter in cabinet meetings or directly with the chief minister," Dharmani stated clearly. "Taking such issues to the media creates unnecessary complications."
The minister emphasized the crucial role that all-India service officers play in state development. These officers receive their appointments from the central government but serve in various states.
Dharmani warned about potential consequences. "This public approach sends a wrong message across the country," he explained. "It could create difficulties for Himachal officers working in other states. We depend heavily on inter-state cooperation for many development projects."
Growing Cabinet Dissent
The controversy began earlier this week when Vikramaditya Singh made comments about IAS and IPS officers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. He suggested these officers sometimes work according to their personal preferences rather than state interests.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi was the first to respond on Tuesday. He disagreed with the sweeping nature of the statement. "If there are specific issues with particular officers, they should be named directly," Negi advised. "General statements like this demoralize hardworking officials who serve the state diligently."
On Wednesday, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh added his voice to the criticism. He called the remarks "unfortunate" and offered a different perspective.
"When a minister cannot get work done through officers, the problem might lie with the minister's approach," Anirudh Singh suggested. "Simply blaming officers for our own shortcomings is not right. This kind of talk lowers officer morale and eventually damages the government's image."
Officers' Associations React Strongly
The bureaucratic community responded with formal protests on Wednesday. Both the IAS and IPS officers' associations issued strong condemnations of Vikramaditya Singh's comments.
These associations urged the state government to take immediate steps. They specifically requested measures to protect the dignity and morale of officers currently serving in Himachal Pradesh.
Minister Defends His Position
Facing mounting criticism, Vikramaditya Singh defended his position on Thursday. While expressing respect for senior ministers and officials, he stood by his concerns about state interests.
"I respect officials, but I cannot show the same kind of respect that was shown to those injured NHAI officials," the minister stated. This comment referenced an incident from July last year involving the Panchayati Raj minister.
In that previous case, an FIR was registered against Anirudh Singh for alleged assault on National Highway Authority of India officers in Shimla.
Vikramaditya Singh attempted to de-escalate the situation while maintaining his stance. "I don't want to expand this controversy," he said. "But I am prepared to provide detailed information to the chief minister if he asks for it."
Addressing the IPS association's reported request to avoid posting officers with him, the PWD minister made an interesting declaration. "I don't require police protection," he asserted. "I have the support and blessings of the people."
The situation reveals growing tensions within the Himachal Pradesh cabinet regarding bureaucratic relations. Three ministers have now publicly disagreed with their colleague's approach, while officers' associations have registered formal protests. How the chief minister addresses this internal disagreement remains to be seen.
