Internal Strife Erupts in Himachal Pradesh Congress Over Officer Controversy

A recent social media post by Minister Vikramaditya Singh has led to a significant public dispute within the Himachal Pradesh Congress, exposing deep divisions among Cabinet members. The controversy centers around Singh's comments regarding IAS and IPS officers from other states, which have sparked a wave of reactions from his colleagues. As ministers publicly contradict each other, the situation has escalated into a power struggle, raising questions about the government's unity and leadership. With the Chief Minister attempting to downplay the issue, the internal rift continues to unfold, highlighting the challenges faced by the ruling party in managing sensitive matters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 14:35 IST

Political Turmoil in Himachal Pradesh

Munish Sood

MANDI

A social media post by Minister Vikramaditya Singh has ignited a significant public dispute within the ruling Congress party in Himachal Pradesh, revealing serious divisions within the Cabinet and escalating internal disagreements into a visible political conflict.

The controversy began when Singh criticized IAS and IPS officers from other states, claiming they were not adequately representing Himachal Pradesh's interests. Speaking at a public event in Mandi, he mentioned that Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri had initially raised the issue, and he merely echoed those concerns. Nonetheless, Singh affirmed his stance and suggested he might disclose the names of specific officers if necessary.

This sparked immediate backlash from his colleagues, transforming what could have been a private administrative matter into a public spectacle among Congress leaders.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri was quick to respond but later tried to distance himself from Singh's comments, claiming he had not fully understood the statement. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi criticized the remarks as inappropriate, suggesting that any specific complaints should have been addressed through official channels. Meanwhile, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh directly accused Singh of making such statements due to frustrations with bureaucratic inefficiencies. Minister Rajesh Dharmani also warned that this controversy could harm the state's administrative environment.

Support for Vikramaditya Singh

Rohit Thakur Breaks Cabinet Silence

As the rift deepened, Education Minister Rohit Thakur publicly sided with Vikramaditya Singh, further highlighting the divisions within the government. Speaking to reporters in Shimla, Thakur praised Singh's capabilities and argued that his comments should not be exaggerated. He acknowledged the contributions of out-of-state officers to Himachal's development but emphasized that local officers bear a greater moral obligation to the state's progress.

“Every state has both positive and negative-minded officers. But Vikramaditya Singh is a capable minister. The Chief Minister should clarify the matter publicly so that confusion is removed,” Thakur stated, downplaying speculation about a formal Cabinet discussion on the issue.

Chief Minister's Response

Chief Minister Steps In

In an effort to mitigate the political fallout, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the media in Delhi, asserting that there was no internal conflict and commending the work of IAS and IPS officers.

“There is no such controversy. The nation comes first, and the state’s interests are our priority. All officers are working sincerely,” he stated. However, his comment about the state’s interests not being adequately pursued for nearly four decades added fuel to the ongoing debate, keeping the controversy alive.

With ministers publicly contradicting one another and the issue showing no signs of resolution, the officer controversy has evolved into a power struggle within the ruling Congress. What began as an internal governance issue has now become a test of the government's unity, leadership, and ability to handle sensitive matters without internal conflicts spilling into the public eye.