Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu Hits Back Over ‘Samosa’ Row: 'BJP Trying To Tarnish Govt's Image'

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has dismissed the controversy surrounding a CID probe into ‘samosas’ intended for him, calling the media coverage misleading and accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running a smear campaign. Sukhu clarified on Friday that the investigation was not about snacks, as reported, but aimed at probing alleged misbehaviour by officials.

“The probe was about the misbehaviour of officials, but the media has turned the CID probe into samosas. The DGP has already given a clarification in this regard,” Sukhu told reporters, as quoted by news agency PTI. He went on to criticise the BJP, saying their focus on the incident was immature. “The BJP's behaviour in raking up this issue is childish and laughable,” he remarked, adding that the opposition has been relentlessly trying to tarnish his government's image ever since the Congress secured 40 seats in the last assembly elections.

Sukhu also accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government through ‘Operation Lotus’, which he said had failed. “The BJP has been trying to run down our government since they failed in the assembly polls and subsequently also did not succeed in their campaign,” he said.