Factionalism to the fore during CM’s Seraj visit

Factionalism in the Congress in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district has become a tough challenge for the state leadership. During a visit of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to the Bakhli Nature Park in Seraj today, the factionalism in the party was on full display. Supporters of some Congress leaders of the region, including Vijay Pal Singh, Chet Ram Thakur and Jagdish Reddy, raised slogans in favour of them.

When Jagdish Reddy took to the stage, his supporters raised slogans: “Seraj ka Neta Kaisa hai, Jagdish Reddy jaisa ho” (How should be the leader of Seraj? Like Jagdish Reddy). Similarly, when Vijay Pal Singh addressed the gathering, his supporters shouted: “Seraj ka Neta Kaisa ho, Vijay Pal Singh Jaisa hai”. These incidents highlighted deep divisions in the local Congress unit, which continue to persist despite efforts to present a united front.

The political rivalry among Congress leaders in Seraj and other constituencies of Mandi district is not only weakening the party’s position but is also strengthening the BJP. According to political analysts, infighting is a setback for the Congress, as the party is struggling to present a cohesive image to voters.

In the 2022 Assembly elections, the Congress had won only one of the 10 seats in the district, a stark reminder of its weakened position in the region. Groupism in the party could further dent its electoral fortunes in the future.

Govt promoting sports: Sukhu

Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday that the government was promoting sports in the state, besides developing world-class infrastructure. A delegation of the HP State Masters Games Association led by its president Vinod Kumar called on the Chief Minister. The association invited him to be the chief guest of the State Masters Games being organised at Bilaspur from December 13 to 15.