A Troubled House and Fragmented Congress Party

Political Analysis

Himachal This Week

Himachal assembly is in session yet the house has to cope with empty benches and regular walkouts by the opposition members. So far the assembly has witnessed many disruptions and walkouts during the budget session. Futility of the government is writ large on the failed consultative process which is the root of a democratic institution. Although walkouts are legitimate protests in functioning of the assembly, yet too much of its serving might lead to indigestion.

The fact is that somehow the work seems to go on with formal walkouts and later members coming back to participate in the discussion. It looks some time fun rather than serious protest, political observers point out. But the opposition seems to hold the view that Chief Minister is not doing anything to move the matters and achieve score of high development activity. Some Congress members are heard to be loudly talking of the routine type of working of Chief Minister who does not show any flash, observers add. They have also rejected the budget as it does not contain any substantial step to usher in development.

While the Congress finds easy to talk of their own time and claiming that most of the development projects are  their contribution but still they too do not speak with authority about their own stand and party. Former chief minister Virbhadra Singh continues to hold the glare of media with Asha Kumar supporting his  unflinching energy to talk against the party president who is reportedly damaging it beyond repair.

He is reported to have remarked that party president Sukhvinder Sukhu has virtually driven the party to disaster. He is advocating for a change of the party chief. May be internal warfare of Anand Sharma and former chief minister is lurking behind this tussle, political observers point out. Many candidates too seem to be playing a hidden role to push Asha Kumari or another leader as they reportedly consider Sukhu to be lightweight. It is high time the party settles this quarrel rather than making noise in assembly or corridors of Shimla.

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