Why vikramaditya Singh's Eateries Order Poses Challenges for Congress

The congress party is caught in a tricky situation, as what may benefit himachal pradesh might hurt its national image. Recently, the state’s PWD minister, vikramaditya Singh, stirred controversy by announcing that street vendors must register and eateries must display their owners' names. This decision raised eyebrows because it closely followed a similar mandate from the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. Opposition parties, including congress, had criticized the Uttar Pradesh decision as an attack on Muslims.

Singh's announcement has frustrated congress leadership, as it not only aligns them with bjp policies but also undermines their narrative that the bjp targets minorities—a key element of rahul Gandhi’s “Mohabbat ki Dukaan” message. Singh's action, based on a supreme court ruling, drew ire from senior party members, and although he claims he was not summoned to Delhi, his meeting with general secretary KC Venugopal didn’t quell the discontent.

party leaders conveyed that Singh's comments were inappropriate and counter to party principles, urging him to avoid similar mistakes in the future. While Singh acknowledged the party's primacy, he emphasized the importance of local sentiments.

himachal pradesh has a predominantly Hindu population (96%), making it politically necessary for congress members to appeal to this voter base. Despite the party leadership's absence at the ram mandir Pran Pratishtha event, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that state buildings would be adorned and lit with diyas for the occasion, even attending the event himself. Singh and supporters argue that not being seen as Hindu could be politically damaging, even though they claim the decision isn’t aimed at any specific community. Concerns have grown about "outsiders," primarily from minority groups, setting up businesses that locals feel are losing out.

Singh isn't isolated in this; Solan mla and health minister Dhaniram Shandil has also backed the initiative. Sukhu previously told News18 that the move was merely for registration purposes, not aimed at any community. However, he is now aligning with the central party stance, shifting blame to Singh for the timing of the announcement.

Singh is perceived as a rebel within the party, particularly given his mother’s vocal criticism of Sukhu’s administration. This incident further complicates relations between the two. The question remains whether this pushback against Singh will bolster his political standing in the state while potentially damaging Sukhu’s image. Meanwhile, the bjp watches closely.