Shimla: With the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh, headed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, about to complete its two-year term on December 11, speculations are rife about a possible cabinet expansion to fill the remaining one ministerial post.
A celebratory event is scheduled to take place in Bilaspur to mark the government’s anniversary, and CM Sukhu’s visit to Delhi has further fuelled anticipation of a potential new addition to his cabinet. There is also a possibility of a reshuffle as, according to sources, a few “low-performing” ministers could lose their job.
One ministerial slot, many aspirants
Currently, the Himachal cabinet consists of 11 members, including the CM and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, leaving only one slot unfilled. The race for this seat is intense, with multiple contenders lobbying to secure the position. Close allies of CM Sukhu, including six former Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) whose appointments were cancelled, are seen as frontrunners. With the high command expected to support Sukhu’s choice, many hopefuls are eager to demonstrate their loyalty and bolster their chances.
Mix of experience and regional influence
Among the prominent names in the race is Congress MLA Sanjay Ratan from Jawalamukhi in Kangra, who previously missed the chance when Yadvinder Goma from Kangra district, an SC representative, was selected over him. Now, Ratan is back in contention as the Sukhu government looks to mark its two-year milestone. Kullu MLA Sunder Thakur and Arki legislator Sanjay Awasthy, both former CPS and considered close to the Chief Minister, are also in the spotlight.
MLA Chandershekhar Thakur from Mandi, the sole Congress MLA from the district, is another strong contender. In the 2022 Assembly elections, he was the only Congress candidate to win in former CM Jai Ram Thakur’s home district, which could strengthen his claim. The Mandi district, part of the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, remains a politically significant area, and appointing a representative from there could benefit the Congress’s regional influence.
Women candidates in the running
With two first-time women MLAs in the Congress, Kamlesh Thakur (wife of CM Sukhu) and Anuradha Rana, there is speculation that the women’s quota might play a role in the selection. However, considering that both are newcomers, the party may opt for a more seasoned candidate.
The cabinet currently includes Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil, Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani and Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma.
