A fresh political storm has hit Himachal Pradesh as reports suggest that senior Congress leader and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar may soon step down from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s cabinet. The buzz began after Neeraj Bharti, Kumar’s son and former MLA, made a strong public claim on social media.
Neeraj Bharti’s Social Media Outburst
In a bold Facebook post on Wednesday, Neeraj Bharti accused the Congress government of functioning under the influence of middlemen. He argued that such a working style makes a minister’s role ineffective. Bharti went on to claim that Chander Kumar would resign on Thursday, June 19, in protest.
Backtracking After Assurances
Later that evening, Bharti appeared to soften his tone, posting again on Facebook. He said that “Chaudhary Sahab” (referring to Chander Kumar) had received some assurances and would be meeting the Chief Minister soon to discuss the situation before making a final decision.
Public Appearance Sparks Confusion
Despite the controversy, Chander Kumar was seen accompanying CM Sukhu on Wednesday during official events in Shillai and Theog (Shimla). Their joint appearance has raised questions about the timing and credibility of Neeraj’s statements, though the post has clearly stirred political tension.
Past Frustrations With Party Leadership
This is not the first time Chander Kumar has expressed discontent with the Congress leadership. He had previously criticized the delays in forming the party’s structure in Himachal, calling the organisation “paralysed” in the state. His remarks had caused a stir earlier this year.
Veteran Leader with Decades of Service
At 85 years old, Chander Kumar is the oldest minister in the Himachal cabinet. He has fought nine elections, currently serving his sixth term as MLA, and has also been a Member of Parliament once. His political career spans several decades, earning him respect across party lines.
What’s Next?
With talks of resignation, internal rifts, and public pressure mounting, all eyes are on whether Chander Kumar will stay or exit. His next meeting with CM Sukhu could be crucial in deciding the future political course in Himachal Pradesh.
