Himachal Pradesh's Congress politics is currently experiencing significant turmoil. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former Leader of the Congress Legislature Party Mukesh Agnihotri, and senior minister Vikramaditya Singh are currently in Delhi, where they met with the party's central leadership.
New Delhi: Amidst ongoing speculation regarding organizational changes and leadership within the Himachal Pradesh Congress, top party leaders have arrived in Delhi to engage in a "brainstorming mission." Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, former Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, and Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh have held significant meetings with the Congress high command in Delhi over the past 24 hours.
Sources indicate that these leaders met with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, engaging in detailed discussions about the current state of the Himachal Pradesh Congress, the party's organizational sluggishness, and potential changes.
Underlying Reasons for the Meetings
Recently, questions have been raised regarding the organization of the Himachal Congress. The high command is reportedly concerned about the dissatisfaction among party workers and the lack of uniformity in electoral strategies. Vikramaditya Singh and Mukesh Agnihotri recently demanded the freedom to work independently within the party forum and emphasized the need for transparency within the organization. It is believed that these issues were thoroughly discussed during the Delhi meetings between these leaders and Rahul and Priyanka.
Sukhu's Role and the High Command's Strategy
During his Delhi visit, Chief Minister Sukhu clarified the importance of effectively managing both the government and the party organization. However, there is also discussion about the high command's concern regarding a lack of coordination between the organization and the government. Sources suggest that the Congress leadership may soon announce a new president for the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. This decision is also being linked to the strategy for the upcoming municipal corporation and panchayat elections.
Imminent Appointment of a New President
It is anticipated that the party may appoint a leader who can bridge the gap between the government and the organization and strengthen the party at the grassroots level. A senior leader, a female leader, and a young face are reportedly contenders for this position. Congress sources believe that the high command is unwilling to make a hasty decision due to the current organizational inactivity and factionalism. The plan is to use the new appointment to accelerate preparations for the 2027 assembly elections.
Statements and Indications from Leaders
In a brief interaction with the media in Delhi, Chief Minister Sukhu stated: "We are here to deliberate on the party's organizational issues. The Congress is united, and we are all working together to strengthen the party." Vikramaditya Singh also stated: "It is essential to incorporate the voices of young workers into the organization. We need to infuse new energy into the Congress in Himachal."
Urban body elections and panchayat by-elections in some districts are scheduled in Himachal Pradesh over the next few months. The Congress leadership wants the party to perform well in these elections. To achieve this, plans are being made for leadership changes at the state level, the formation of a new executive committee, and the appointment of district-level in-charges.
