Political Storm in Himachal: BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma Slams Sukhu Government Over HRTC Show-Cause Notice

Dharamshala: The political landscape of Himachal Pradesh is heating up as BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma from Dharamshala has sparked controversy with his strong criticism of the Congress-led Sukhu government. Sharma took to his official Facebook account to share a show-cause notice issued to two Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) employees, Tekraj (Driver) and Shesh Ram (Conductor), alleging that it was a politically motivated act aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Sharma’s post has drawn sharp reactions on social media, with many accusing the Sukhu government of overreaching and misusing its power to suppress free speech. The notice, issued by the HRTC’s Sub-Divisional Manager on November 25, 2024, was prompted by a complaint from a public individual who alleged that objectionable political content was being played in the HRTC bus on November 1, 2024, during its Shimla to Sanjauli route.

The Controversial Notice

The show-cause notice, addressed to Tekraj and Shesh Ram, states that a complaint was received alleging that an audio program played in their bus on November 1 contained political discussions against opposition leaders. The conversation, which reportedly included figures like Union Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, and regional leaders such as Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Smt. Mamta Banerjee, and Shri Tejashwi Yadav, was described as propaganda against the political figures mentioned.

The notice, issued by the Sub-Divisional Manager of HRTC’s Dhali Sector, indicated that the two employees failed to prevent the broadcasting of the audio in a public service vehicle, which allegedly contained disparaging content about these political leaders. The memorandum asserts that it is the responsibility of HRTC staff to ensure that no such objectionable material is aired in government-run buses, which serve the public.

Sudhir Sharma’s Strong Allegations

In response to the show-cause notice, BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma voiced his dissatisfaction on social media, accusing the Congress government of misusing the system to stifle any criticism or discussion of the ruling party. He labeled the action against the HRTC employees as a “political conspiracy” orchestrated by the Sukhu government. Sharma criticized the government for issuing show-cause notices to drivers and conductors, calling it a reflection of the Congress’s “system change” where any form of opposition or criticism is targeted.

Sharma’s Facebook post quickly gained traction, with several of his supporters and BJP colleagues rallying behind his views. His comments have sparked a debate over the use of government vehicles for political content and whether such actions were an overreach by the Sukhu government, or simply an attempt to maintain decorum in public services.

Reactions and Political Fallout

The controversy has sparked reactions from various political factions, with BJP members defending Sharma’s accusations. They argue that the government is using state machinery to suppress free speech and silence political dissent. Several members have questioned the timing and intent behind the show-cause notice, considering it comes in the wake of growing political tensions between the Congress-led state government and the opposition BJP.

On the other hand, Congress leaders have defended the move, claiming that the action against the HRTC staff is necessary to maintain the neutrality of public services and prevent any form of political propaganda in government-run vehicles. They argue that government buses should be free of any political content, as they serve the purpose of public transportation, not political campaigning.

The Larger Debate: Politics in Public Service

The incident raises broader concerns about the intersection of politics and public service. While the government defends its actions as a necessary measure to maintain decorum in state-run services, critics argue that such measures could lead to the suppression of political views and discussions in a public forum.

In a state like Himachal Pradesh, where political rivalry is intense, the use of government facilities for political discourse often becomes a point of contention. This incident is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the boundaries of political expression, especially in publicly funded spaces like government buses, which are accessible to citizens from all walks of life.

A Test for the Sukhu Government

The show-cause notice has put the Sukhu government on the defensive, forcing them to clarify their stance on political neutrality in government-run services. With social media posts and political statements filling the airwaves, this controversy is likely to escalate further, with both sides continuing to press their points.

For now, the outcome of the inquiry into the HRTC employees remains to be seen, but it is clear that this incident will continue to shape the political narrative in Himachal Pradesh, adding fuel to the fire of political rivalry as both parties vie for dominance in the state’s political arena.

As Himachal Pradesh’s political temperature rises, one thing is clear, this notice will likely continue to dominate discussions in the state, affecting not only the Congress government’s image but also the relationship between the public and state services.