Himachal Congress MLAs want Pratibha removed as president over frequent outbursts against party, say ‘morale of workers hit’
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The Newz Radar
MANDI: Following her frequent outbursts against the party high command, Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh has offended a section of leaders in the state unit who are now learnt to be lobbying with the party high command for her removal from the post.
The latest trigger has been Pratibha’s statement in the media against the Congress and the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government upon her return from Delhi after attending a crucial meeting of the Congress for the selection of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections.
Sources said a rift within the Himachal Pradesh Congress had emerged with party legislators petitioning the high command for the ouster of Pratibha, who is also Mandi MP, from her post.
Citing a “decline in morale among party workers”, the legislators have pointed to Pratibha’s refusal to contest elections from the crucial Mandi parliamentary constituency as a significant factor. This move, they alleged, had demoralised the party workers on the ground.
30 Congress MLAs raise concerns
About 30 Congress MLAs have reportedly joined forces to express their discontent, highlighting concerns that Pratibha’s continuance in leadership may adversely impact the party’s prospects in both upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the bypoll to the six Assembly constituencies. They argued that amidst the current political landscape, a change in leadership was imperative to safeguard the party’s interests in the state.
Pratibha’s recent press conference after her return from Delhi fuelled tensions within the party. Her announcement of abstaining from contesting the Lok Sabha elections, coupled with remarks on the lack of active participation from party workers, has drawn criticism and deepened disillusionment among grassroots supporters.
In light of these developments, calls for the prompt appointment of new state party president have gained momentum. Legislators asserted that only through decisive action and cohesive leadership could the party hope to regain its footing and secure electoral victories in the upcoming polls.
This is what Pratibha had said
Pratibha had said, “It’s noteworthy that after returning from Delhi, I announced not to contest the Lok Sabha elections. I mentioned that if appointments of active workers and officials in the organisation were made in the government on time, it would have helped a lot. Due to this not happening, active workers are not available in the election field now. In my tenure, I only distributed MP funds. Elections are not won with so little work. Party workers are so much disappointed.”
