Shimla, August 19: BJP state spokesperson Sandipani Bhardwaj on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Himachal Pradesh Congress, alleging that the party has been divided into more than five factions and that its leaders are more focused on internal power struggles than addressing public issues.
Referring to the recent war of words between senior Congress leader and Forest Development Corporation Vice-Chairman Kehar Singh Khachi and Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Bhardwaj said the episode had exposed the growing internal rift within the Congress.
He alleged that what was once limited to closed-door discussions and Congress Bhawan had now spilled onto public platforms and social media.
Bhardwaj also referred to reports of Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh extending support to Rathore following Khachi’s remarks, claiming that the developments reflected the presence of different political camps within the ruling party.
“Today, more than five factions are active within the Congress. Some are led by the Chief Minister, some by ministers and senior leaders, while others are focused on creating their own political space,” he alleged.
The BJP spokesperson said the developments in Theog indicated that the battle for the 2027 Assembly elections and party tickets had already begun.
“Congress leaders are already engaged in deciding who will get a ticket and whose political claim will be weakened. If leaders are busy fighting among themselves, who will focus on the development of Himachal?” he asked.
Bhardwaj alleged that factionalism within the Congress was not limited to Theog and had spread from the state headquarters to district and block levels.
He claimed that the lack of coordination between the Congress government and the party organisation had become increasingly visible, with senior leaders often making conflicting public statements.
The BJP leader further alleged that the public was bearing the brunt of the Congress government’s internal political conflicts. He said unemployed youth were waiting for jobs, employees and pensioners were concerned about their issues, while farmers, orchardists and the general public were facing various challenges.
“People gave the Congress a mandate to govern, not to settle internal political scores,” Bhardwaj said, alleging that the ruling party was more concerned about factional politics and leadership struggles.
He said Congress leaders should first address internal differences before commenting on the BJP.
Claiming that the BJP was a disciplined and cadre-based organisation, Bhardwaj said the Congress leadership should focus on resolving public issues rather than managing internal factions.
“The developments in Theog are only a glimpse of the larger situation within the Congress. As the 2027 Assembly elections approach, the fight for tickets and leadership is likely to become more visible,” he said.
