MANDI (Munish Sood)
After Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar described the Congress’ state organisational structure as “paralysed”, another senior leader from the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government, Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil, has echoed similar concerns about the weakening party set-up.
Shandil (85) expressed his concerns over the lack of focus on strengthening the party at the grassroots level. Speaking from the state Secretariat in Shimla, Shandil highlighted the need for urgent attention towards revamping the party’s structure, which he believes is vital for its survival and future growth.
“The organisation is the core of any political party. If it weakens, the entire party falters. Whether at the village level or the state level, our Congress organisation needs to be powerful,” said Shandil. He stressed that the Congress party must invest more in guiding its youth and nurturing their leadership potential, as well as in strengthening its foundations through organizational training.
Cites Rajiv Gandhi to reinstate leadership programmes
Shandil further pointed out that veteran Congress leaders, such as the late Rajiv Gandhi, were able to effectively train young members and pass on the history and values of the party.
He urged the current leadership to reinstate such programmes to foster a new generation of committed leaders who are well-versed in the party’s ethos.
This latest criticism follows a similar remark by Minister Chander Kumar, who had earlier suggested that the party’s inability to conduct organizational elections had left it “paralysed” and disconnected from the masses.
Kumar’s comment had stirred controversy, as it pointed directly to the lack of internal reforms within the party that is struggling to regain its foothold after recent electoral setbacks.
The party’s leadership, particularly Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has not yet responded publicly to the ministers’ criticisms.
However, sources close to the party indicate that these remarks are being taken seriously, with growing concerns about the Congress’ organisational health in the state.
Political analysts believe that if these internal issues are not addressed swiftly, it could significantly impact the Congress’ prospects in future elections.
With two senior ministers raising alarms, the pressure is mounting on the state leadership to take concrete steps to strengthen the party and revitalise its organisational structure.
