Munish Sood
Mandi
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday indicated that the lone vacant key organisational post in the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) will be filled soon, suggesting that the party’s long-pending organisational restructuring is entering its final phase.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla, Sukhu said the vacant post would be filled shortly and that the exercise was being carried out in consultation with the Congress high command.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came as AICC in-charge Rajni Patil is in Shimla to hold consultations with senior party leaders on organisational matters. Her visit is being viewed as significant, with discussions focusing on strengthening the party organisation, resolving internal issues and finalising pending appointments.
The announcement has also fuelled political speculation over who could be entrusted with the remaining organisational responsibility. While the party has maintained complete silence on any names, senior Congress leaders and political observers believe several leaders are in contention.
Among those being discussed in political circles are Ashish Butail, MLA from Palampur in Kangra district, Sunder Singh Thakur, MLA from Kullu, and senior Congress leader Sanjay Rattan. The three leaders are also widely seen as strong contenders for ministerial berths whenever Chief Minister Sukhu undertakes the long-awaited expansion or reshuffle of his Cabinet.
With one important organisational post still lying vacant and speculation continuing over a possible Cabinet reshuffle, the coming weeks are expected to be politically significant for the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh.
The organisational exercise is aimed at strengthening the party structure and ensuring better coordination between the government and the organisation ahead of future political challenges. Party leaders have maintained that all appointments will be made in consultation with the Congress high command.
Although no official announcement has been made regarding the contenders, Sukhu’s indication that the vacancy will be filled soon has intensified political interest, with both organisational appointments and a possible Cabinet reshuffle expected to remain in focus in the days ahead
