Governance at odds: Guv, ministers in power struggle

Himachal Pradesh has now joined the list of the states which have been witnessing a direct confrontation between the Governor and state government.

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There is a visible upward trend of growing confrontation between Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and state government which has been witnessed on sensitive matters like Nautor land allotments and the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Palampur Agriculture University.

‘Nautor’ land allotment: Tribal welfare or roadblock?

One of the most contentious issues fuelling the clash is the ‘Nautor’ land allotment bill. The state government has passed this legislation to streamline the process of granting land to tribals, a key election promise aimed at uplifting marginalised communities in regions like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.

Governor Shukla’s refusal to sign the bill has sparked criticism from Tribal Affairs Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who sees the delay as an impediment to progressive governance. This stalemate underscores a deeper issue: the challenge of balancing electoral promises with constitutional propriety. While the government views the bill as a fulfillment of its mandate, the Governor’s intervention suggests a need for greater deliberation to ensure legal and ecological sustainability.

VC’s appointment: A federal flashpoint

Another major flashpoint pertained to the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Palampur Agriculture University. Governor Shukla, exercising his authority as Chancellor who disapproved the constitution of the selection committee by the state government, a move Agriculture Minister, Chandar Kumar had vehemently opposed.

The unilateral decision has been criticised as undermining the federal spirit and the autonomy of state institutions. The Governor’s “overreach” diminishes the state government’s role in managing its academic institutions. But the Governor has justified his actions by emphasising his constitutional powers and the need to prioritise academic excellence.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s attempts to mediate and restore cordiality between the Raj Bhavan and the state cabinet minister bore the fruit as the matter had been resolved.

Political implications and role of Opposition

These confrontations have not gone unnoticed by the Opposition BJP, which has tried to exploit the situation as it holds the state government responsible for “mismanaging” its relationship with the Governor. The BJP may also try to derive political mileage out of it, thereby projecting it as the government’s inability to maintain administrative harmony with Raj Bhavan.

Uneasy federalism: What lies ahead?

The tussle between the Governor and the HP Government is emblematic of a broader trend which may have serious fallout in future. While governors are constitutionally expected to act as impartial custodians, their actions often carry political overtones, especially in non-BJP states like Himachal Pradesh.

For CM Sukhu, the challenge lies in striking a balance — asserting his government’s autonomy while avoiding a complete breakdown in relations with Raj Bhavan. These disputes may influence governance and political narratives in the state, with the Congress government needing to demonstrate both resolve and strategic acumen.

— The writer is a political analyst based in Shimla