Himachal Pradesh Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani on Saturday strongly reacted to the objectionable remarks made by BJP MLA from Dharamshala Sudhir Sharma against Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
He said Sudhir Sharma should improve the way he speaks and use language in public life that reflects the culture, civility and social decorum of Himachal Pradesh.
Sudhir Sharma, who switched from the Congress to the BJP during the current tenure, had recently made remarks about the Chief Minister’s gesture of visiting an ordinary shop for a haircut in Chamba. He used phrases such as “Chamba chappal” and “jhand”. His remarks, which were widely criticised as being in bad taste, drew sharp reactions on social media from various sections.
Rajesh Dharmani said the uncivilised language used against the Chief Minister was highly condemnable. He said that despite political differences, Himachal Pradesh had traditionally maintained a culture of personal dignity and mutual respect. Such indecent language, he added, was not acceptable in society.
He said Sudhir Sharma appeared to be attempting to gain publicity and strengthen his political identity through such statements. “The political party he is currently associated with has a history of encouraging people who use such offensive language. Perhaps for this reason too, he is attempting to raise his political stature within the party through such remarks,” he said.
Dharmani said the BJP MLA should understand that the people of Himachal Pradesh do not appreciate loud, aggressive or undignified politics. He said that amid the ongoing tussle between different factions within the BJP, such statements would not bring Sharma any political benefit. The people of Himachal Pradesh understand everything and will respond at the appropriate time.
He said Sudhir Sharma was using abusive language against the Chief Minister out of political frustration and should refrain from making such remarks. “The people of Himachal Pradesh know the Chief Minister very well. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu comes from an ordinary family and has risen in politics through hard work and dedication. Sukhu understands the problems and concerns of the common man as he remains in regular touch with the public and connects with people with ease,” the minister said.
The Technical Education Minister said the Chief Minister’s interaction with ordinary people and his easy-going manner reflected the simplicity and warmth of Himachali culture.
“If the Chief Minister goes to an ordinary person to get his haircut, there should be no objection to it. Connecting naturally with ordinary people is not a weakness for a leader; rather, it is a sign of his close connection with the people and his sensitivity towards them,” he said.
Dharmani said differences in political views were part of democracy, but maintaining personal dignity and using respectful language was the responsibility of every elected representative. He urged Sudhir Sharma to exercise restraint in his statements and respect Himachal Pradesh’s dignified and cultured political tradition.
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