After being removed from their posts as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS), six Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs are now eyeing the lone unfilled ministerial position in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s cabinet, setting the stage for a political contest that could intensify factionalism within the party. The post was initially kept vacant by CM Sukhu as a strategic measure, but with the six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries being removed from their posts after an order by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Sukhu faces the difficult task of balancing aspirations without causing further trouble within the party.
The Chief Parliamentary Secretaries who have been forcibly removed from their positions are Sunder Singh Thakur (Kullu MLA), Ram Kumar Chaudhary (Doon, Solan district), Ashish Butail (Palampur, Kangra), Mohan Lal Brakta (Rohru, Shimla), Sanjeev Awasthy (Arki, Solan) and Kishori Lal (Baijnath, Kangra).
According to rules, the Chief Minister can appoint a maximum of 12 members, including himself, in the cabinet. Currently, alongside CM Sukhu, there is one Deputy Chief Minister and nine other ministers. The CM recently appointed Rajesh Dharmani and Yadvinder Goma as ministers, leaving only one slot open. Given the surge in contenders, speculation is growing that Sukhu might delay the cabinet expansion again to avoid alienating any faction within the party.
Kangra district in contention for ministerial seat
With regional representation a key consideration, sources indicate that the ministerial vacancy may be allotted to a candidate from the Kangra parliamentary constituency. Currently, the Mandi parliamentary constituency has only one minister, Jagat Singh Negi, from Kinnaur. Despite comprising several districts, Mandi Lok Sabha seat lacks significant Congress representation, with nine of its seats held by BJP MLAs. Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar, the lone Congress legislator from Mandi district, represents a constituency in Hamirpur, leaving Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti to push for their candidates.
Kullu Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, who served as a CPS before the recent reshuffle, is seen as a strong candidate for the ministerial role. Kangra, the state’s most populous district, has long advocated for increased representation and may see this as an opportunity to assert its influence in the cabinet.
Sukhu’s balancing act
The Chief Minister’s next steps will likely be guided by the need to maintain a delicate regional balance in the cabinet while managing expectations of party members and avoiding the resentment that could arise from favoring one faction over another. Political insiders suggest that Sukhu may face resistance if he appoints a minister from any one faction, given the growing demands for regional and equitable representation. This dynamic has the potential to either strengthen his standing within the party if managed effectively or spark renewed tensions if any group feels marginalised. CPS, himchal CM, Cabinet post.
