Political corridors in Himachal Pradesh are abuzz with speculation following Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s meetings with top Congress leaders in New Delhi. The Chief Minister met former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, AICC (organisation) general secretary KC Venugopal, state in-charge Rajiv Shukla and MP Priyanka Gandhi to discuss the government’s performance and organisational matters.
During the meeting, CM Sukhu presented a detailed report card of his cabinet colleagues, highlighting their performance, challenges and achievements. He also extended an invitation to the central leadership to attend the state government’s second-anniversary celebrations in Bilaspur.
Two ministers likely to be dropped
Sources within Congress said that two ministers, both from the Shimla parliamentary constituency, may be dropped to improve the cabinet’s regional and caste balance while ensuring better accountability.
CM Sukhu’s consultations with the high command reportedly included discussions on bringing fresh faces into the cabinet, potentially from Mandi and Kangra parliamentary constituencies.
The state cabinet currently has one vacant post, which the central leadership might give the green-light to fill. Insiders suggest that Sukhu emphasised the need for an agile cabinet to meet the challenges of governance, particularly in the wake of Himachal’s recent natural disasters.
Potential new faces in Cabinet
There is speculation that the reshuffle may bring in two new ministers — one from the Shimla constituency and another from Mandi or Kangra. This move is seen as a strategic effort to energise the party’s base across regions, especially ahead of upcoming political challenges.
The Chief Minister is expected to hold further discussions with Congress leaders during the upcoming Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. Political observers believe that clarity on the cabinet reshuffle will emerge after these deliberations.
Meeting with Amit Shah on disaster relief
In addition to his political engagements, Sukhu is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to push for the pending disaster relief package for Himachal Pradesh. The state, reeling from extensive damage due to heavy rains and landslides, has been awaiting central assistance for its recovery efforts.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the Congress leadership and Sukhu’s next moves. The anticipated cabinet reshuffle could reshape the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh, setting the tone for the government’s trajectory in the coming years.
