Himachal Congress functioning without organisational structure for nearly 6 months
MANDI/SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Congress is gearing up for the long-awaited overhaul of its organisational structure, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu learnt to be emerging as the key decision-maker in the process.
The Congress state, district and block-level committees have remained dissolved for nearly six months, leaving Pradesh Congress Committee president Pratibha Singh as the lone office-bearer in the state party setup.
As the only Congress Chief Minister in north India and one of only three across the country, Sukhu held a significant position in the party’s national framework and was likely to have an upper hand in deciding the party’s new organizational set-up, said sources.
More weightage after Sukhu thwarted Operation Lotus
His opinion was being given considerable weight by the high command in Delhi, particularly in light of his success in thwarting the BJP’s alleged “Operation Lotus” last year, a move that further consolidated his statue within the party, said the sources.
According to party insiders, multiple rounds of consultations have already taken place between CM Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri and Pratibha Singh. However, a final breakthrough remains elusive due to the need to maintain caste and regional balance in the new executive body.
The CM is expected to meet the party high command in New Delhi soon, possibly this week, to provide his final recommendations regarding appointments.
“CM Sukhu is taking a cautious and calculated approach, much like he did during the cabinet expansion process. He’s looking ahead to the 2027 Assembly elections and does not want to rush into decisions that could impact the party’s internal cohesion,” said a senior party functionary.
Pratibha Singh, widow of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, continues as the state Congress president, but the question of her continuation remains under discussion.
Her current term ended in April 2025. In the absence of vice-presidents, general secretaries and secretaries, the party organisation is virtually non-functional at the state level.
Balancing internal factions, diverse communities
Rajani Patil, AICC’s in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, has also been holding consultations with party leaders and emphasised the urgency of reorganising the party.
“The Congress is not paralysed in Himachal, but it definitely needs strengthening at the grassroots level,” she said during a recent visit.
Congress currently holds a majority in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly with 40 MLAs, compared to the BJP’s 28. While the Sukhu-led government faces no immediate political threat, the absence of a functioning organisational structure is seen as a long-term vulnerability if not addressed in time.
The proposed revamp is expected to balance internal factions, represent diverse communities, and establish a robust framework that can support the party’s efforts in the 2027 state elections.
Munish Sood
