Himachal cabinet expansion: Tough call for CM Sukhu amid political challenges as only 1 vacancy in govt

MANDI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu finds himself at a critical juncture as he navigates the complexities of cabinet expansion.
With one ministerial position vacant, the decision on who will be inducted into the cabinet is proving to be a formidable challenge. The choice is not just about filling a seat — it is about balancing political equations, managing intra-party factionalism, and ensuring regional representation while appeasing the party high command in Delhi.

Factional politics and Delhi meetings

Sukhu’s visit to Delhi has intensified speculation, with multiple leaders lobbying for the coveted position. The Congress in Himachal is currently divided into three distinct factions:
Sukhu faction: Backing Sunder Singh Thakur (MLA, Kullu), Sanjay Ratan (MLA, Jwalamukhi) and Sanjay Awasthy (MLA, Arki).
Mukesh Agnihotri faction: Pushing for Ashish Butail (MLA, Palampur) and Bhawani Singh Pathania (MLA, Fatehpur).
Vikramaditya Singh faction: Advocating for Nand Lal (MLA, Rampur) and Mohan Lal Brakta (MLA, Rohru).

Additionally, Chander Shekhar (MLA, Dharampur) from Mandi is also waiting for an important position, given that he was the only Congress winner from the 10 Assembly seats in Mandi district in the last elections.

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His supporters argue that his contribution to Congress’ presence in Mandi deserves recognition in the cabinet or at least a key organisational post.

All three factions have sent their emissaries to Delhi, where top Congress leadership is holding crucial meetings. Sukhu, too, is engaging in high-level discussions to navigate this politically sensitive situation. The high command’s interference could potentially alter Sukhu’s preferences, making his decision even more difficult.

Key challenges in the selection process

Regional balancing act

One of the biggest hurdles for CM Sukhu is maintaining regional parity in the cabinet. The Himachal government has already faced internal turmoil due to an imbalance in ministerial representation.

Currently, the Shimla parliamentary constituency is overrepresented, with six ministers, including the CM.
Kangra, the state’s largest district and a key political powerhouse, has only two ministers, despite traditionally having three in previous governments.

This has fuelled demands for a third minister from the region, increasing pressure on Sukhu to accommodate a leader from Kangra. If Kangra is prioritized, Sanjay Ratan (Jwalamukhi) or Bhawani Singh Pathania (Fatehpur) could be strong contenders.

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Meanwhile, the Mandi parliamentary constituency has only one cabinet minister, Jagat Singh Negi, who was appointed under the tribal quota.

This strengthens the case for Sunder Singh Thakur (Kullu), who hails from this region and has significant backing within the party. Chander Shekhar (Dharampur) also remains a strong claimant for an important role.

Managing internal rivalries and factional pressures

The Congress is witnessing intense internal lobbying, with multiple leaders and factions pushing their candidates. Sukhu’s biggest challenge is ensuring that his decision does not alienate any influential camp.
Sanjay Awasthy (Arki) is considered a close confidant of the CM but faces opposition due to an overrepresentation of ministers from the Shimla parliamentary seat.

Sunder Singh Thakur (Kullu) has a strong claim due to the lack of representation from Mandi, but he belongs to the Sukhu camp, which may trigger resentment among rival factions.

Bhawani Singh Pathania (Fatehpur) is a strong choice from Kangra, representing the Mukesh Agnihotri faction. His selection could help maintain stability within Congress, but it may not align with Sukhu’s personal political preferences.

Nand Lal (Rampur) and Mohan Lal Brakta (Rohru) are also lobbying for a ministerial berth, backed by the Vikramaditya Singh faction. If one of them is selected, it could solidify Vikramaditya’s influence within the government.

High command’s role: Autonomy vs. compliance

While CM Sukhu may have his own preferences, the Congress high command in Delhi holds significant influence over the final decision.

With Congress facing challenges in multiple states, the party’s central leadership is closely monitoring Himachal’s political developments. If the high command insists on a particular candidate, Sukhu will have to balance party discipline with his own authority.

Possible outcomes and their impact

If Sukhu picks a candidate from Kangra (Bhawani Singh Pathania or Sanjay Ratan), the move will help restore regional balance and pacify Kangra leaders. However, it may trigger resentment among Mandi leaders and other factions. The Sukhu camp may perceive it as a compromise forced by high command pressure.

If Sunder Singh Thakur (Kullu) is chosen, the Mandi parliamentary constituency will finally gain representation. The decision could, however, provoke unrest in Kangra, which might demand a compensatory position in the Congress. Mukesh Agnihotri and Vikramaditya Singh factions could see it as Sukhu favoring his own loyalists.

If a leader from the Vikramaditya Singh faction is inducted (Nand Lal or Mohan Lal Brakta), it would strengthen Vikramaditya Singh’s influence within the government. However, it might sideline candidates from Kangra and Mandi, which could lead to further discontent.

If Chander Shekhar (Dharampur) is given a role, this would be a strategic move to acknowledge Mandi’s political significance. However, given that Sukhu’s cabinet has only one vacancy, Chander Shekhar may have to settle for a key organisational post rather than a ministerial berth.

If a woman leader is inducted (Kamlesh Thakur or Anuradha Rana), it would be a politically strategic move to showcase gender representation. However, both leaders are first-time MLAs, and their lack of experience may become a point of criticism. Sukhu could face allegations of favouritism if he appoints his wife Kamlesh Thakur.

Munish Sood (Mandi)