New Delhi, September 26, 2024 – In a move that has sparked controversy, Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced a mandate requiring street vendors to display ID cards, mirroring a policy previously criticized by the Congress when implemented by BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The proposal, aimed at addressing security concerns and the drug menace, comes at a time when street vending has become a focal point due to recent protests over illegal constructions in Shimla.
Vikramaditya Singh justified the decision by citing the need for better control over the influx of vendors, particularly after local concerns about migrants. However, this decision has not only divided opinions within the state but has also stirred a political tempest within the Congress party itself. Senior Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo expressed his disagreement, highlighting the potential for discrimination against minority communities, which he observed on social media.
The Congress leadership, distancing itself from Singh’s announcement, clarified that no formal decision has been made, and the proposal awaits cabinet approval. This clarification came after BJP leaders welcomed the move, crediting their past policies and urging Vikramaditya to stand firm on his announcements.
The irony of Congress’s stance is palpable, given its vehement opposition to similar diktats by BJP governments, which were eventually stayed by the Supreme Court for potentially promoting communal discord. This situation leaves Congress in a precarious position, navigating through allegations of hypocrisy and internal dissent.
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