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In a political setback to the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) and two-time Jawali MLA Neeraj Bharti has publicly criticised the state government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that it has failed to meet the expectations of party workers and the public.

 

Bharti, the son of Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, was recently served a show-cause notice by the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) over remarks he made on social media regarding the government's functioning in the aftermath of the urban local body and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections.

 

Following the notice, Bharti resigned from his post as HPCC vice-president and continued to criticise the government on social media. On Saturday, the Congress party expelled him for six years on grounds of indiscipline.

 

In an exclusive interview with The News Arena Network, Bharti spoke about his differences with the state leadership and functioning of the government. Excerpts are:

Q: What has made you so angry with your own government recently?

Neeraj Bharti: I have always been outspoken by nature. But this is not about one incident or one day. It is about the last three-and-a-half years. I felt suffocated and decided to speak openly.

Congress workers across the state worked hard between 2017 and 2022 during the BJP regime and played a key role in bringing the party back to power in December 2022. Many workers, including me, faced political targeting and legal cases. I even faced a sedition case, which is still pending.

When Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu became Chief Minister, nobody opposed the decision because it was made by the party high command. However, I believe the expectations of Congress workers have not been met. I raised these concerns soon after the government was formed, and the Chief Minister assured me that matters would improve. In my view, little has changed since then.

I feel communication and accountability are more important than ever in today's political environment. When I felt there was no one willing to listen to these concerns within the government, I chose to express my views publicly.

Q: Your father is also a senior minister in the same Congress government. What is his view?

Bharti: Yes, I have discussed these issues with him. At one point, I even suggested that he consider stepping down from the Cabinet because I felt he was not able to function effectively due to what I see as shortcomings in the government's overall approach. However, he did not wish to take any step that could be seen as a revolt against the party. That is his decision.

I worked hard for him during the 2022 Assembly elections and wanted him to contest from Jawali to restore his political standing after his defeat in 2017. Even today, I remain connected with workers and supporters in the constituency and feel accountable to them. I was surprised when he publicly stated that I should not have taken these issues to social media. Nevertheless, he is entitled to his opinion.

Q: Where do you believe this government is failing?

 

Bharti: Right from the beginning, the government has repeatedly spoken about financial constraints. But those challenges were known before coming to power. People elected Congress with expectations based on the promises made during the elections. The government now has the responsibility to deliver.

Contractors are facing delays in payments, treasury operations have experienced periodic restrictions, and educational institutions are being shut down in some areas. Many of these institutions were established to serve people in remote regions rather than generate profits.

The government has launched several welfare initiatives, including programmes for orphaned children, which is commendable. However, many ordinary families and party workers also expect attention to their concerns. My biggest frustration is that, in my view, several issues that do not require significant financial resources also remain unresolved.

Q: Do you think similar problems did not exist under previous Congress governments?

 

Bharti: Every government faces challenges. During the Virbhadra Singh government, I served as CPS (Education) and also encountered issues regarding the functioning of some officers.

At that time, I raised those concerns directly with Virbhadra Singh. He immediately called the concerned officers and sought explanations. The matter was addressed quickly. My concern is that after three-and-a-half years, many of the issues I have raised still remain unresolved.

Q: Some people argue that you benefited from your political background and are now criticising a Chief Minister who rose through struggle.

 

Bharti: My father certainly helped me enter politics, as many parents help their children in different professions. I was given an opportunity when the party nominated me in a by-election after my father became an MP. However, I lost that election. After that, I worked hard and won elections in 2007 and 2012.

A family background may help someone enter politics, but sustaining a political career requires public support and personal effort. As for the Chief Minister's journey, I respect the fact that he has struggled and worked his way up. But once someone reaches a position of responsibility, performance becomes the key measure.

Q: The Congress party has expelled you for six years. What is your reaction?

Bharti: The expulsion does not concern me. My focus was on raising issues that I believe matter to party workers and supporters. Party discipline is important, but I also believe concerns should be voiced when people are facing problems.

Q: What does the future hold for Neeraj Bharti politically?

Bharti: I am not in touch with any other political party, nor do I intend to join one. I consider myself a Congressman and will remain one. If my father contests the next election, I will vote for him.

Q: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu often says he has spent a long time in public life and held various positions in the party. How do you see that claim?

Bharti: He is mistaken. Earlier, he held positions in the organisation, where the high command or a few people took decisions. He came to the forefront by criticising former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh throughout his political journey. He must understand that lakhs of people will decide his fate now. Leave aside the government, the Congress party would not even touch double digits in the 2027 Assembly elections, given the governance model it has adopted in Himachal Pradesh over the last three-and-a-half years.

Q: Don't you think your criticism has damaged the party's image and could affect your own political prospects?

Bharti: The party's image depends primarily on the government's performance. I have only highlighted concerns that many workers discuss privately.
I believe the leadership should view criticism as feedback and use it to make improvements. As far as my own future is concerned, I do not spend much time worrying about political calculations. I prefer to speak honestly about what I believe.

 

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