Questions delay in appointment, says BJP already in election mode
Munish Sood
MANDI: The long-awaited appointments of a new Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president and organisational committees seem headed for trouble again as party’s incumbent state unit chief Pratibha Singh has openly warned the high command against ignoring the legacy of late Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, else the party could face serious losses.
Speaking after a meeting with the party high command in Delhi, Pratibha Singh made it clear that the delay in reorganising the state Congress was hurting the party’s position on the ground.
Pratibha Singh, a former MP and the wife of late six-time CM Virbhadra Singh, met Rahul Gandhi along with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and cabinet ministers from Himachal. She said it was the first time Rahul Gandhi held one-on-one meetings with each leader to hear their views directly. According to her, ministers also spoke frankly, shared their problems and asked for changes to strengthen the party.
Says party president shouldn’t be a rubber stamp
Sending a strong message to the leadership, Pratibha Singh said the state Congress chief should be someone with a clear identity in Himachal politics and not just a rubber stamp. The person, she said, should have influence, understand the party organisation and be able to work closely with the state government. “The final decision rests with the high command, but it must be taken soon,” she said.
Pratibha Singh admitted that the political atmosphere in Himachal was “not very encouraging” and that steps must be taken quickly to improve it.
One of her major concerns is the delay in accommodating active and loyal party workers in government roles. “I have raised this matter with the Chief Minister several times, but decisions keep getting postponed. This delay is causing anger among workers,” she said. She said that Rahul Gandhi had assured her the issue would be resolved soon.
Pratibha Singh also compared the Congress’ slow pace with the BJP’s speed. “While we are stuck in small matters, the BJP has already appointed its president, formed its executive team and started preparations for panchayat elections,” she noted, warning that the Congress could not afford to lose more time.
Rohit Thakur keeps options open
Meanwhile, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, whose name is being discussed as a possible replacement for the HPCC president’s post, said no leader could refuse the orders of the party high command.
Speaking informally to reporters, he said he was satisfied with his current role but would accept any responsibility given to him. “All leaders have shared their views with the high command and I will serve in whatever way the party decides,” he said.
Internal pressure ahead of elections
The remarks from both leaders reflect growing unease within the Himachal Pradesh Congress. The delay in announcing the party’s state leadership has not only slowed down preparations for upcoming elections but also given rise to speculation about factional fights between different camps.
Political observers believe the Congress high command needs to act quickly to avoid further damage. In Himachal, where political loyalty is often linked to personalities and legacies, sidelining the influence of Virbhadra Singh could alienate a large section of the party’s base.
