Shimla, September 27
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has questioned Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over the delay in expanding the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, alleging that the Chief Minister has repeatedly spoken about inducting MLAs as ministers without submitting a formal proposal to the Congress high command.
Thakur’s remarks came after Congress Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajni Patil said on September 26 that she had not received any proposal from the Chief Minister regarding Cabinet expansion. Patil said the proposal would be forwarded to the party leadership for consideration once received. Thakur alleged that Sukhu had announced in the Assembly and at public gatherings that a particular MLA would be made a minister, but the announcement had not been implemented despite nearly a year having passed.
He accused the Chief Minister of using the prospect of ministerial appointments to consolidate support among Congress legislators.The former Chief Minister also questioned why no formal proposal had been submitted to the party leadership despite public statements regarding Cabinet expansion.
Referring to an unnamed Congress MLA, Thakur alleged that the legislator had consistently defended the Chief Minister and accompanied him during official visits and public programmes. He further alleged that Sukhu was attempting to maintain support within the Congress legislature party by offering ministerial positions to some MLAs and exerting pressure on others. Thakur said the delay raised questions about the government’s intentions, particularly as it approaches the completion of four years in office.
The controversy comes amid continuing discussions over Cabinet expansion. Sukhu had earlier indicated that the expansion would take place soon and that ministerial portfolios could also be reshuffled. Patil, however, maintained that there was no lack of coordination between the government and the Congress organisation and said the party remained united.
