Fri Sep 27 14:37:53 UTC 2024: ## Himachal Pradesh Minister Faces Heat for Controversial Food Order, Congress Criticized for Double Standards

**Shimla, India:** Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh is facing intense scrutiny following a controversial order requiring all food outlets in the state to display the names and addresses of their owners. The decision, issued by Singh, who holds the Public Works and Urban Development portfolio, has drawn sharp criticism, both within the Congress party and on social media.

The controversy arises from the Congress’s previous condemnation of a similar move by the Uttar Pradesh government during the Kanwar Yatra. The party had then labelled it as “state-sponsored bigotry”. This stark inconsistency has exposed the Congress to accusations of hypocrisy and fueled criticism of its “double standards”.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was reportedly displeased with Singh’s handling of the matter and summoned him to Delhi for a reprimand. The party leadership has advised Singh to refrain from making any further contentious statements on the issue.

Several Congress leaders have voiced their disapproval of the order. Senior leader TS Singh Deo called it “discriminatory” and questioned the necessity of such a measure. “Just because Uttar Pradesh implemented this during the Kanwar Yatra doesn’t mean we should follow,” he said.

AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam went even further, accusing the Congress of adopting the BJP’s divisive approach. “Congress is no different from the BJP now. By adopting the ‘UP model,’ they are fanning communal tensions just like the BJP,” he stated.

Social media users have also joined in the criticism, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy. The party now finds itself in a difficult position, trying to justify the actions of its government in Himachal Pradesh while simultaneously addressing the inconsistency with its previous stance.

This controversy has left the Congress vulnerable to criticism from both supporters and detractors alike, highlighting the challenges the party faces in navigating its political strategy amidst growing accusations of double standards.

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