Political Controversy Erupts Over Late-Night Gathering in Himachal Pradesh

Political Fallout from a Late-Night Gathering

Jawali (Kangra): A recent late-night event at a government rest house in Jawali has ignited a political storm, highlighting growing divisions within the ruling Congress party in Himachal Pradesh. A viral video circulating on social media depicts a room scattered with alcohol bottles, snacks, and personal belongings, sparking intense media scrutiny over alleged inappropriate behavior.

However, the implications of this incident extend beyond mere shock value. Notably, the criticism surrounding the gathering has emerged not from opposition parties, but from members within the ruling party itself.

Ajay Sharma, the Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Vibhag, along with a current Congress minister, have both publicly condemned the gathering—actions that indicate deeper internal conflicts rather than simple ethical concerns. They have specifically called out Viku Bhardwaj, the current district president of the Youth Congress.

Sharma, who has faced complaints allegedly supported by some of the Youth Congress leaders present at the gathering, is seen in a video referencing these past disputes. His remarks have raised questions about whether the viral footage is being weaponized in the context of ongoing bureaucratic rivalries.

“This is not a typical disciplinary reaction,” noted a senior political analyst. “When a bureaucrat and a minister publicly criticize their own party's youth members, it indicates more than just a concern for ethics; it reveals factionalism at play.”

Insiders suggest that the gathering was intended as a birthday celebration for a Youth Congress leader, with no evidence of wrongdoing or external involvement. Nevertheless, the timing and manner of the video's release have led to suspicions of a coordinated effort to undermine certain individuals within the party.