Sudivya Kumar Sonu, the Tourism Minister of Jharkhand and a senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has once again left people confused after mistakenly naming Mehbooba Mufti as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, instead of Omar Abdullah.
The confusion unfolded when the media questioned him on why he had demanded the resignation of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu following a terror attack that occurred not in Himachal, but in Jammu and Kashmir.
Resignation Of Himachal CM Sukhu
While addressing reporters in Lohardaga, Sudivya Kumar Sonu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. However, his emotional reaction took an unexpected and incorrect turn when he said, “This is an extremely unfortunate incident. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu must take responsibility and resign. He has failed to protect citizens.”
The video quickly spread across social media, with various platforms posting it. One viral caption read: “Tourism Minister of Jharkhand is now demanding resignation of Mehbooba Mufti. He is getting closer.”
He is Tourism Minister of Jharkhand, MLA of Giridih & Leader of INDI Alliance
He is demanding the resignation of INDI Alliance leader & Himachal CM Sukhwinder Singh for the Pahalgam terror attack.
This is the peak Indian opposition pic.twitter.com/UJTK81usJW
— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) April 24, 2025
Sudivya Kumar’s Clarification Raises More Eyebrows
Amid the mounting criticism, Sudivya Kumar issued a statement attempting to clarify his remarks. He said, “In yesterday’s speech, I clearly said that Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu should resign for the killing of innocent people in Pahalgam. During the discussion, a political activist, speaking as a journalist, asked: if the incident happened in Pahalgam, which is in Jammu and Kashmir, then Mehbooba Mufti isn’t responsible. So, it should be Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Bhagwant Singh Mann who should answer for how this tragedy occurred.”
Tourism Minister of Jharkhand is now demanding resignation of Mehbooba Mufti
He is getting closer https://t.co/yizVjaBf1E pic.twitter.com/KG0qhZI3J1
— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) April 25, 2025
Despite this clarification, political analysts pointed out that it is highly unusual — perhaps even unprecedented — for a sitting minister to publicly blame an unrelated chief minister for violence in another state, without offering any factual explanation or correction. His comments have left many questioning whether he was even aware of the correct location of the attack.
Who is Sudivya Kumar Sonu?
Sudivya Kumar Sonu, born in 1970 in Giridih, Jharkhand, is a senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). He is currently holding several key portfolios in the state government, including Urban Development, Higher and Technical Education, Tourism, Art and Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs.
Political Career
A two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the JMM, Sudivya Kumar Sonu is a close aide to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Sonu’s political journey dates back to 1989, marking his long involvement in the state’s political landscape. Despite his experience, this unfortunate incident has thrust him into the limelight, though for reasons he may not have intended. As Tourism Minister, Sonu has been responsible for promoting tourism and cultural development in Jharkhand. His portfolios also include overseeing urban development, higher education, and sports, areas in which he has made significant contributions over the years.
