No Resentment: Vikramaditya Singh Dismisses Rift Over Virbhadra Singh Statue Event
HP Minister Vikramaditya Singh dismisses claims of resentment over Virbhadra Singh's statue unveiling and reaffirms loyalty to Congress leadership.
Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has firmly rejected speculations regarding his alleged unhappiness over the unveiling programme of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's statue in Sarahan. Addressing the rumors on Wednesday, the Minister clarified that there is no room for disappointment or resentment, dismissing the claims as narratives unnecessarily pushed by the opposition BJP.
Dismissing the 'Absence' Controversy
When questioned about the absence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the Sunday event, Vikramaditya Singh stated that he felt no regret. He pointed out that such commemorative programmes had been organized previously in the presence of both state and national Congress leadership, suggesting that the current event was not an anomaly that warranted concern.
Singh emphasized that his relationship with the electorate is based on performance rather than political optics. He noted that voters have consistently supported him in successive elections, with his winning margins increasing over time. He urged that political developments should not be viewed solely through the lens of electoral calculations.
"There is no resentment or disappointment on my part over the statue unveiling programme, which is unnecessarily raised by the opposition BJP; I have no regret about it," Singh stated.
Unity Within Congress
Addressing the perceived divisions within the Himachal Pradesh Congress, the Minister acknowledged that while different leaders may have various political faces or groupings, their ultimate loyalty remains undivided. He asserted that all members are part of the same team, specifically citing their allegiance to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
Singh stressed that it is the collective responsibility of the party members to strengthen the hands of Sonia Gandhi and work diligently for the party and the nation, regardless of any internal groupings.
Honoring a Developmental Legacy
Vikramaditya Singh spoke at length about the political and developmental heritage of the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh. He drew a parallel between national leaders and state icons, stating that just as India's development history is incomplete without Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Himachal's story is incomplete without the contributions of:
- Yashwant Singh Parmar: The state's first Chief Minister.
- Thakur Ram Lal: The state's second Chief Minister.
- Virbhadra Singh: Former Chief Minister.
He described the work of these leaders as a moral legacy that both the government and individuals are responsible for remembering and carrying forward.
Addressing Winter Fuel Crisis
Moving beyond political disputes, the Minister also addressed a critical administrative issue: the availability of petroleum products in Himachal Pradesh. This is a particular concern for regions that face heavy snowfall during the winter months, which often disrupts supply chains.
Singh revealed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has already written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to seek solutions. While acknowledging concerns regarding escalation costs, Singh emphasized that maintaining a steady supply of fuel to the remote areas of the state remains an essential priority for the government.