Vikramaditya Singh Clarifies Stance on Sports Department and Lok Sabha Elections
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Shimla, January 15: Minister of Rural Development, Vikramaditya Singh, addressed the media at the State Secretariat on Monday, emphasizing that the allocation and withdrawal of departments fall under the exclusive prerogative of the Chief Minister. He clarified his stance on the Sports Department, stating that he holds no dissatisfaction regarding its retrieval.
Singh remarked that these matters are of no significance to him personally. He denied being among those trying to play political games for Cabinet status. Regarding his collaboration with the Youth Services and Sports Minister, Yaduvinder Goma, for the upliftment of athletes, Singh affirmed his commitment to working together.
On the question of contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Mandi parliamentary constituency, Singh mentioned that the people of Shimla Rural have given him a mandate. He stated that he had no intention of contesting the elections but would comply with any decision made by the party’s high command.
Reflecting on his Star Campaigner status in the 2022 elections, Singh noted that despite being a first-time legislator, the party entrusted him with the role. The previous Chief Minister, the late Virbhadra Singh, was the face of the campaign.
Speaking about the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Singh expressed his willingness to interact with the public and highlight the state government’s efforts. He emphasized that without the Center’s aid, the state government provided relief of ₹4,500 crores to the affected without seeking help.
Vikramaditya Singh also shared historical context, mentioning that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, in 1989, decided to open the locks of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He dispelled the notion that the Congress needs certification of being Hindu from the BJP or its affiliates.
On the subject of visiting Ayodhya, Singh stated that he, like Rajiv Gandhi, would go to Ayodhya whenever he finds the time and would also visit Ram Lalla.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Singh accused the BJP of playing politics over the Ram Mandir issue. He asserted that the Congress does not need to prove its commitment to Ayodhya through political theatrics.
