Fri Sep 27 14:37:53 UTC 2024: ## Congress Minister Reprimanded for Controversial Order Mirroring BJP Policy

**Shimla, India:** A storm has erupted within the Congress party after a controversial order issued by Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh was met with criticism from both within the party and on social media. Singh, who heads the PWD and Urban Development ministry, was summoned to Delhi and reprimanded by the Congress leadership for mandating food outlets across the state to display the names and addresses of their owners.

The order sparked widespread backlash, with many drawing parallels to a similar directive issued by the Uttar Pradesh government during the Kanwar Yatra in July. The Congress had vehemently condemned the UP government’s move, calling it “state-sponsored bigotry.” This hypocrisy has not gone unnoticed, with users on social media criticizing the party’s double standard.

Congress leader TS Singh Deo called the Himachal Pradesh order “reprehensible and discriminatory,” questioning the logic behind it. “Why do we have to name an individual’s shop? You are not selling the individual, you are selling the brand,” he remarked.

AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam went further, accusing the Congress of adopting the “UP model” and spreading hatred. “What is the difference left between the BJP and the Congress? The Congress is also following the same line, instigating fights between Hindus and Muslims,” he stated.

Sources close to the Congress party revealed that party president Mallikarjun Kharge was particularly upset with Singh’s actions. Singh has been instructed to refrain from making controversial remarks on the matter.

The incident highlights the growing internal tensions within the Congress party, with some questioning its commitment to its core values and its ability to stand against discriminatory policies.

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