Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh found himself at the center of a political storm this week after suggesting that street vendors should be required to display their identity cards outside their shops, similar to regulations in Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Singh emphasized that while party policies are crucial, the interests of the state must also take precedence.
“I’m a committed worker of the party, and it’s my responsibility to promote the ideology and directions of the Congress,” he said after returning from a meeting with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and other central leaders. He clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted and politicized, particularly with the implication of communal motives.
VIDEO | Here’s what Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh (@VikramadityaINC) said on eateries’ nameplate row.
“I have clearly put forth my views before the party’s central leadership and have assured them that I am dedicated and loyal soldier of Congress party, and I… pic.twitter.com/SDvGftjDI5
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 30, 2024
“We raised the issues of the people of Himachal. As far as vending is concerned, giving it a communal form is unfortunate. Himachal has its separate issues…The discussion was about vending zones to be formed in our Municipal corporations and strengthening them. But it was given a communal and religious form…There are a lot of Tibetans who reside in Himachal and are operating their shops here. Anyone can come here to work. The only thing to be done is registration to maintain the internal security of the state…There is nothing more than this in the matter…And I was not summoned. I met the leadership of the party as I visited Delhi for the pre-scheduled events,” the Himachal Pradesh minister said.
Singh noted that the Himachal Pradesh Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act already mandates the identification and registration of vendors, a law enacted in 2016. In fact, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled in 2023 that the act should be implemented by designating vending and non-vending zones in urban areas.
#WATCH | Shimla | Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh says, “…We raised the issues of the people of Himachal. As far as vending is concerned, giving it a communal form is unfortunate. Himachal has its separate issues…The discussion was about vending zones to be… pic.twitter.com/WD1MhC6E55
— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2024
“Our state is a tourist destination, and internal security is a vital issue. If protests like the one at the Sanjauli mosque continue, it could discourage tourists from visiting,” Singh warned. He insisted his intentions were clear: to safeguard public interests without politicizing the matter.
The uproar began when Singh in an initial statement suggested that street vendors, especially those selling food items, would be required to display their identity cards at their shops, similar to Uttar Pradesh. This drew criticism from various leaders, including those from the INDIA block. Reacting to the controversary, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said that the issue was blown out of proportion.
Additionally, Rajiv Shukla, the AICC’s Himachal Pradesh in-charge, assured that while street vendors will need licenses and some form of identification, there is no requirement to display a name sign as an owner. Pratibha Singh, the Himachal Pradesh Congress chief, also highlighted the party’s stance, emphasizing that they oppose the BJP’s approach to this issue.
“I could have been misquoted, but my intention was always to raise constructive issues for the people of the state,” Singh reiterated. He concluded by stating that he is answerable only to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and the party leadership.
