Internal friction and political uncertainty are once again brewing within the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh. The ongoing tussle surrounding the induction of MLA Sunder Singh Thakur into the state cabinet from Kullu district has now broken out into the open. Although Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has publicly expressed his desire to induct Sunder Singh into the cabinet, persistent delays in materializing this move have begun to test the patience of local party workers and supporters. This growing discontent is rapidly taking the shape of open defiance, sending ripples through political circles.
Worker Outrage and Threats of Mass Resignations
More than 200 party workers representing block and mandal level units of the Congress party in Kullu have expressed intense anger over the prolonged delay in inducting their local representative, Sunder Singh Thakur, into the Himachal Pradesh cabinet. A formal meeting was convened at the circuit house to discuss the impasse, with Thakur himself in attendance. During the gathering, workers openly voiced their frustration over the inexplicable delays and deliberated on the possibility of submitting mass resignations if their demands continued to be ignored by the leadership.
Sunder Singh's Viral Poster and the December 11 Ultimatum
The political temperature further soared after a poster featuring Sunder Singh Thakur began circulating widely on social media platforms. The poster explicitly carried a message stating that party workers would decide their future strategy and self-respect after December 11. Political analysts view this messaging as a calculated move to mount pressure on the party leadership. Media reports had previously claimed that the legislator would wait until December 11 before potentially resigning from the party if the ministerial berth was not granted. Although Sunder Singh had dismissed those specific resignation rumors, the sentiment on the ground remains volatile.
Fallout from the Cancellation of CPS Appointments
The background of this ongoing political drama traces back to key developments over the past several years. When the cabinet was expanded on January 8, 2023, Thakur was among the six legislators appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries. However, following a legal challenge, the High Court struck down these appointments on November 13, 2024. In the aftermath of this ruling, Thakur emerged as the frontrunner for the sole vacant position in the state cabinet. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has repeatedly hinted that Thakur would eventually find a place in the ministerial lineup.
Chief Minister's Remarks and Opposition Criticism
Complications deepened when Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently remarked during Kullu Dussehra that while he personally wanted to make Sunder Singh a minister, perhaps his planetary positions were not aligned favorably. The Chief Minister's subsequent assertions that Kullu's MLA would become a minister only when his stars became favorable triggered widespread resentment among a section of the party faithful. The opposition was quick to capitalize on these remarks. Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched a scathing attack on Sukhu during a rally in Ani, sarcastically advising Sunder Singh that a cabinet position acquired at the expense of his dignity should not be accepted. Speaking to reporters in Shimla, Jai Ram further asserted that Sunder Singh should be intensely angry rather than mildly upset, noting that discussions about making him a minister have dragged on for a year and a half.
Fears of a Repeat of the 2024 Political Crisis
The simmering discontent inside the party has raised serious concerns for the state leadership. Observers note that if this mounting frustration is left unaddressed, it could mirror the major political rebellion witnessed in the Congress party back in 2024. At that time, Suhir Sharma and Rajinder Rana were left out of the cabinet expansion, a grievance that ultimately prompted six party legislators to sever ties with the Congress. With similar tensions surfacing once again, questions are being raised over whether the ruling party is heading toward another internal crisis.
