The controversy drew sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which questioned the state government’s priorities.

BJP slams probe as ‘laughable’

The controversy escalated when Satpal Satti, the state BJP chief, mocked the government’s decision to order an inquiry into the samosas. He called the situation “surprising”, criticizing the government for prioritizing petty issues over bigger issues such as corruption.

“This government has totally failed and become a laughingstock,” Satti said, urging police to focus on bigger scandals within the government instead of wasting resources on a snack-related incident.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, a senior BJP leader, slammed the Congress-led state government for taking serious action on a minor mistake.

“The opposition did not eat the samosa; the people who were served were part of the government. So how could this be an anti-government act?” Thakur asked in a video statement.

He also highlighted the government’s focus on the Samosa incident, while several other serious allegations of corruption in various departments were not investigated.

In a sharp rebuttal, BJP spokesperson Chetan Bragata highlighted what he described as the government’s misplaced priorities. He pointed out that while the state is grappling with critical issues such as stalled development projects, the focus on a “samosa survey” reflects inattention to the pressing needs of the people.

“Development work has stopped for the last two years and the chief minister should focus on these matters instead of such petty issues,” Bragata said.

Chief Minister’s Media Adviser responds

Chief Minister Sukhu’s media adviser Naresh Chauhan defended the state government, claiming that no inquiry had been formally ordered by the government.

Chauhan suggested that the incident was an internal matter within the CID and accused the BJP of politicizing it to tarnish the government’s image.

“Some people are trying to show the government in a bad light. The BJP should behave like a responsible opposition,” Chauhan said.

The CID clarifies its role in the incident

CID Director General Ranjhan Ojha clarified that the CID only sought clarification on the accident.

He explained that after the Chief Minister’s visit to the CID headquarters on October 21, the officials were surprised when the snacks meant for the event were not delivered properly.

However, Ojha stressed that no formal inquiry had been initiated and no action was planned against anyone involved.

“The issue should not be politicized,” he added.