Delhi: KC Venugopal and Shukla Issue Stern Advice

Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

The political scene has heated up over a recent statement by Urban Development and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh. On Friday, Singh met with Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and Himachal Pradesh in-charge Rajeev Shukla in Delhi. During this meeting, Venugopal issued clear instructions for Singh not to cross the party’s line.

Vikramaditya Singh tried to explain that his statement was misunderstood, but Venugopal firmly responded that while Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge are spreading a message of love and unity, any statement from a Congress minister that could divide society would not be tolerated.

The controversy began when Singh suggested during an Urban Development Department meeting that people coming from other states should be registered and provided identification cards. This statement emerged at a sensitive time when there were ongoing mosque disputes in Sanjauli and upcoming elections in neighboring states, leading to an uproar.

Meanwhile, Himachal in-charge Rajeev Shukla also gave Vikramaditya Singh a piece of advice on the matter. Congress state president Pratibha Singh, who was present at the meeting, commented on the recent directive by the Himachal Pradesh government requiring restaurant owners to display their names. She clarified that there was no malicious intent behind the decision and that a committee comprising senior leaders has been formed to decide the way forward.