BJP’s Dominance in Himachal: A Reality Check for Congress

Shimla: The Indian National Congress (INC) is confronting a stark political reality in Himachal Pradesh. Despite holding state governance, the party suffered a significant setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, losing all four parliamentary seats to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This comprehensive defeat has not only exposed the Congress’s electoral vulnerabilities but also intensified scrutiny of its internal dynamics and organizational structure within the state.

In response to this electoral debacle, the Congress high command initiated decisive measures to rejuvenate the party’s state unit.

On November 6, 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), including its district and block units, signaling a strategic overhaul aimed at addressing internal discord and revitalizing the party’s grassroots presence.

The dissolution underscored the urgency for restructuring, especially in light of internal divisions and factional infighting that have plagued the party. Senior leaders, including state Congress president Pratibha Singh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, have been actively involved in consultations to reconstitute the party’s executive committee.

Their collective efforts aim to bridge the widening gap between the party organization and the government, ensuring cohesive functioning ahead of future electoral challenges.

The appointment of Rajni Patil as the new All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh further emphasizes the party’s commitment to internal reform. Patil’s immediate mandate includes restructuring the HPCC and fostering unity among disparate factions.

Her strategic approach focuses on bridging the organization-government divide, reviving morale among party cadres, and ensuring ministers engage effectively with grassroots workers.

Despite a modest national improvement in the 2024 elections, with the Congress increasing its tally to 99 Lok Sabha seats and contributing to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) coalition’s total of 234 seats, the party’s performance in Himachal Pradesh presents a contrasting narrative.

The BJP’s clean sweep in the state, including Union Minister Anurag Thakur’s retention of his seat, highlights the saffron party’s robust organizational strength and development-centric narrative that continues to resonate with the electorate.

The Congress’s inability to convert state-level governance into electoral success in Himachal Pradesh suggests a disconnect between leadership and voter expectations.

To regain its foothold, the party must prioritize strengthening grassroots connections, refining candidate selection processes, and articulating clear policy positions that resonate with a diverse electorate.

The ongoing restructuring efforts, spearheaded by Rajni Patil and the state leadership, are critical steps toward addressing these challenges and revitalizing the party’s prospects in the region.

S Gopal Puri