‘Serve Himachal, don’t rule it’: Vikramaditya slams 'non-local bureaucrats’, backs Deputy CM in late-night Facebook post

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh has launched a sharp attack on senior bureaucrats posted in Himachal Pradesh who hail from outside the state, warning them to prioritise public service over authority and personal influence.

In a strongly worded Facebook post late Monday night, the minister said that some senior IAS and IPS officers, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were allegedly indifferent to the interests of Himachal Pradesh and needed to be dealt with firmly.

Vikramaditya Singh cautioned that if timely action was not taken against such officers, the interests of the state could suffer. He asserted that bureaucrats were meant to serve the people and the government, not act as rulers.

Without naming any individual officer, the minister alleged that certain officials were functioning in a manner detrimental to the state’s welfare and governance.

The PWD minister also expressed solidarity with Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, endorsing his recent remarks made at a public event in Mandi.

During his speech, Agnihotri had criticised a section of bureaucrats for allegedly maintaining close links with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Deputy Chief Minister had urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take strict action against such officials and “wield the stick firmly” to ensure discipline and accountability in the administration.

While maintaining a critical tone, Vikramaditya Singh clarified that he held respect for officers posted in the state from outside Himachal Pradesh. However, he emphasised that they must learn from bureaucrats belonging to the state, who, according to him, had a better understanding of local issues, sentiments and developmental priorities.

Reiterating his stand, the minister said that the interests of Himachal Pradesh would not be compromised under any circumstances. His remarks have triggered political debate, with opposition parties likely to raise concerns over the public criticism of the bureaucracy, while the ruling Congress leadership has yet to issue an official response.