BJP targets Himachal CM Sukhu over video of children greeting him with ‘Radhe-Radhe’

A political row erupted on Friday after the Himachal Pradesh unit of the BJP shared a video on X, alleging that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appeared uncomfortable when children greeted him with “Radhe-Radhe.”

In the short clip, Sukhu is seen interacting with a group of children in an open field at Sports Authority of India’s stadium in Dharamsala. Several children touch his feet and say “Radhe-Radhe.” The Chief Minister responds, “Radhe-Radhe or Namaskar.” When the children repeat the greeting, he asks, “Why are you saying Radhe-Radhe?”

The BJP shared the video on its official handle, accusing the Chief Minister and the Congress of being dismissive of Sanatan Dharma.

“Even the children’s ‘Radhe-Radhe’ made the Congress Chief Minister of Himachal uncomfortable! Why do the Congress and its leaders hate Sanatan Dharma so much?” the party wrote.

The Congress has not yet issued an official response to the BJP’s accusation, but party insiders said the remarks are being taken “out of context,” adding that Sukhu’s interaction with the children was informal and not meant to hurt religious sentiments.

The controversy comes amid heightened tensions between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha over Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi’s remarks against the RSS and allegations that the Congress government’s may delay panchayat elections.