“I Know How Much I Have to Speak,” Pratibha Singh Rebukes Congress Leader Amidst Tensions at Two-Year Celebration in Himachal

Bilaspur, December 11: The two-year anniversary celebration of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh took an unexpected turn when Congress State President Pratibha Singh expressed visible frustration during her speech. The event, held in Bilaspur—the home district of BJP National President JP Nadda—was meant to be a celebration of the Congress government’s achievements. However, a moment of tension highlighted internal party dynamics, revealing cracks that contrasted with the overall festive tone.

As Pratibha Singh took the stage to deliver her address, she was interrupted by former MLA Bamber Thakur, who suggested she conclude her remarks. This unsolicited interruption seemed to catch Singh off guard, prompting her to respond sharply to Thakur. “I am just finishing it. If you do not want me to speak too much, then I am not talking too long. Our government has been formed only because of the work of the organization. That is why I want to thank the government,” Singh stated with a clear tone of irritation.

Her remarks, intended to express gratitude for the Congress party’s collective efforts, were followed by a pointed rebuke aimed directly at Thakur. “You should not have spoken like this. I know how much I have to speak,” Singh reportedly said, reinforcing her position on the importance of respecting one’s role and voice in such events.

Organizational Contributions and the Role of Congress Leaders

Despite the tense exchange, Pratibha Singh’s speech continued, focusing on the organizational strength of the Congress party, which she credited for the success of the current government. She emphasized that the victory in the assembly elections and the formation of the government were directly tied to the efforts of the party’s grassroots workers, volunteers, and leaders. Singh particularly acknowledged Congress General Secretary Rajiv Shukla, praising his unwavering support in strengthening the party, especially during the most challenging times.

“I want to thank Rajiv Shukla for his consistent leadership. His efforts have been crucial in the success of our organization and, ultimately, the success of this government,” Singh remarked, reinforcing the message that the party’s success was a collective achievement.

Pratibha Singh’s Criticism of BJP’s Disaster Relief Neglect

As Singh continued, her speech took a critical turn toward the central government, with her strongest remarks directed at the BJP’s handling of Himachal Pradesh’s natural disaster relief. As an MP, Singh has been vocal about the state’s need for federal support, especially following devastating natural calamities that affected Himachal Pradesh.

She sharply criticized the BJP leadership, accusing them of neglecting Himachal Pradesh’s needs during times of crisis. Singh lamented that despite repeated requests for disaster relief, no significant action was taken by the central government. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls Himachal his second home, but the state did not receive any relief. The lack of support during our time of need speaks volumes about their priorities,” she said, calling out the BJP for its failure to deliver aid to the state, particularly when it was most needed.

Her criticism echoed sentiments shared by many Congress members who have long felt that Himachal Pradesh was being overlooked in favor of other regions, despite the state’s contribution to national politics and its importance to the BJP’s electoral strategies. The lack of assistance during natural disasters further fueled the growing discontent within the state, with Congress leaders accusing the central government of turning a blind eye to the plight of the people in Himachal Pradesh.

Internal Tensions and Party Unity

Although the celebration was designed to showcase the Congress government’s accomplishments, the public spat between Pratibha Singh and Bamber Thakur highlighted some underlying tensions within the party. These tensions were not limited to personal differences but also seemed to stem from broader political dynamics within the Congress organization. Singh’s candid remarks, both in terms of her frustrations with the interruption and her pointed criticisms of the BJP, indicated her strong sense of leadership and her determination to defend the Congress government’s integrity.

The interruption, coupled with Singh’s firm response, raised questions about internal power struggles within the Congress, particularly as the party continues to face challenges from the BJP. Despite the occasional rough patch, however, Singh’s focus on organizational contributions and her praise for party stalwarts reflected her commitment to maintaining unity within Congress, even in the face of political setbacks and internal disagreements.

A Platform for Accountability

The anniversary celebration in Bilaspur, despite the moment of discord, ultimately served as an important platform for Congress to showcase its governance and its ongoing efforts to address the concerns of the people. Singh’s speech was marked not only by praise for the party’s workers but also by her unflinching commitment to holding the opposition accountable for its actions—especially in regard to disaster relief and governance priorities.

In the coming months, as Himachal Pradesh continues to navigate its political landscape, the Congress government’s achievements in areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare programs will be put to the test. At the same time, the internal dynamics within the Congress party will likely continue to evolve, with leaders like Pratibha Singh asserting their vision for the future of the state and its government.

Rising Above Tensions for Progress

While the two-year celebration of Congress rule in Himachal Pradesh revealed internal frictions, it also underscored the party’s commitment to delivering on its promises and maintaining a strong, organized presence in the state. Pratibha Singh’s remarks, despite their sharp tone, demonstrated her unwavering resolve to defend the party’s record and call out the opposition for its failures. Her criticisms of the BJP, particularly on issues of disaster relief, reinforced the narrative that Congress intends to be the voice of the people, holding the central government accountable for its neglect.

As the Congress government moves forward, it will need to navigate both internal challenges and external opposition while continuing to focus on the welfare of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Whether through internal reconciliation or through further policy successes, the future of the state’s governance will hinge on the ability of the Congress party to remain united and focused on progress.