Samosa scandal: BJP calls Congress govt 'laughing stock'

Shimla: A minor incident in Himachal Pradesh has sparked a major political controversy after snacks meant for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu were accidentally given to his security staff. The blunder, involving samosas and cakes, snowballed into a debate that led to a CID inquiry, with the matter being termed an "anti-government" act. 

The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has questioned the priorities of the state government.

BJP slams inquiry as a "Laughing Stock"

The controversy escalated when Satpal Satti, the state BJP chief, mocked the government's decision to order an inquiry into the samosas. He called the situation "surprising," criticising the government for prioritising petty issues over more significant matters like corruption. 

“This government has totally failed and become a laughing stock,” Satti said, urging the police to focus on bigger scandals within the government rather than wasting resources on a snack-related incident.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, a senior BJP leader, criticised the Congress-led state government for taking serious action over a minor mistake.

"The opposition didn’t eat the samosas; the people who were served were part of the government. So, how could this be an anti-government act?" Thakur asked in a video statement. 

He also pointed out the government’s focus on the samosa incident while several other serious allegations of corruption in various departments have not been probed.

In a sharp rebuttal, BJP spokesperson Chetan Bragata highlighted what he described as the government's misplaced priorities. He pointed out that, while the state faces critical issues such as stalled developmental projects, the focus on a "samosa inquiry" reflects a lack of attention to the people's pressing needs. 

"Developmental works have come to a standstill in the past two years, and the Chief Minister should be focusing on these issues instead of such petty matters," Bragata said.

Chief Minister’s media advisor responds

The media advisor to Chief Minister Sukhu, Naresh Chauhan, defended the state government, claiming that no inquiry was formally ordered by the government.

Chauhan suggested that the incident was an internal matter within the CID, and accused the BJP of politicising it to tarnish the government’s image. 

"Some people are trying to show the government in a bad light. The BJP should behave like a responsible opposition," Chauhan said.

CID Clarifies its role in the Incident

CID Director General Ranjhan Ojha clarified that the CID was only seeking clarification regarding the mishap. 

He explained that after the Chief Minister's visit to the CID headquarters on October 21, officials were surprised when the snacks meant for the event were not delivered properly. 

However, Ojha stressed that no formal inquiry was initiated, and no action was being planned against anyone involved. 

"The matter should not be politicised," he added.

(Agency inputs)