When BJP MLAs cheered for a Congress minister in Himachal Assembly

Minister Anirudh Singh defends protests against a mosque near Shimla, countering own party MLA, says holds on to his stand against “illegal structure”, “outsiders”

Congress Kasumpti MLA and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh. (X/@anirudhsinghMLA)

In the fractious Himachal Pradesh Assembly, where the ruling Congress has fought off a bid by the BJP to topple it from power, there was rare support from the latter for a Congress minister this week.

BJP MLAs thumped their desks as Congress Kasumpti MLA and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh defended Hindu right-wing protests against a mosque located on the outskirts of Shimla, and demanded the demolition of the “illegal structure”. Going one step further, Anirudh Singh also sought that “outsiders” in the state be registered – an issue close to the BJP’s hearts.

In fact, it was BJP MLA Balbir Sharma who first raised the issue of the mosque, located in Sanjauli, in the House on September 4.

Congress MLA Harish Janartha, who represents Shimla (Urban), under which the mosque falls, countered him, saying it was wrong to call the structure illegal. “The mosque was built decades ago, before 1950,” he said.

Janartha added that there was no tension in the area over the issue, and regretted that he came to know about the protests that had happened a day earlier much later. “We should not escalate the issue. A quarrel took place in one area, and led to the protests in another,” the Congress MLA said.

However, Anirudh Singh then got up to say that the issue did need greater attention. “People from one community have been living in large numbers in areas like Nahan, Chamba, Paonta Sahib and Kasumpti for a long time. Earlier, no such incidents were reported in the state. But why now? We need to find out the reason. Nowadays, new people are coming into the state. Koi Jamat wale aa rahe hain, jinka koi ata-pata nahin hai. Kya ye Rohingya Musalman hain (People from a certain Muslim sect are arriving, about whom there is no information. Are these Rohingya Muslims)? I request the respected Chief Minister to verify them. I know of at least two people who are from Bangladesh.”

Leader of the Opposition and former CM Jai Ram Thakur echoed the Congress minister’s views later, adding: “This is not against any particular religion or sect. It is about legal and illegal construction.”

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While CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated in the House that “no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands”, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who has had his share of differences with Sukhu, called for action “within the framework of the law and the Constitution of India”.

Speaking to The Indian Express Friday, Anirudh Singh said: “I stand by what I said in the Assembly. I am probably the only legislator in the Vidhan Sabha who takes full responsibility for the law and order situation in my constituency on this matter. I want to assure everyone that the law and order situation concerning any illegal structure, whether religious or non-religious, will not deteriorate. Indeed, the issue of unregistered people coming from other states is a matter of concern.”

The minister declined to comment on Congress colleague Janartha’s point that the protests at the mosque seemed triggered by a fight “elsewhere”. According to sources, what Janartha was referring to was a clash between members of two communities at a barber shop in Chamyana, which falls under Anirudh Singh’s constituency Kasumpti.

A Congress leader agreed with this, but added that Anirudh Singh was not alone in the party on the mosque issue. “Local Congress leaders and workers were part of the protests against the mosque, along with members of various right-wing organisations.”

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Sources said that rather than as a communal issue, leaders across parties see the matter as a law-and-order concern, partly explaining the position Anirudh Singh took in the House.

A senior Congress leader said that Janartha had presented his concerns to CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and “urged him to intervene in the matter”. The MLA did not respond to repeated phone calls and messages.

A scion of the erstwhile Koti royal family of Himachal Pradesh, Anirudh Singh was the second minister of the Sukhu Cabinet – after Vikramaditya Singh – to have advocated attending the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year. He had also announced that he would facilitate the visit of the people of his constituency to Ayodhya.

A member of the Congress for more than 25 years and a three-time MLA, Anirudh Singh is holding a ministry for the first time in the state. Within the party, he is seen as close to the Vikramaditya Singh camp but also enjoying good relations with Sukhu.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More