New Himachal Congress committees held up due to 'disagreement' over copying BJP model

Pratibha Singh may stay president; announcement on organisational set-up likely in 2-3 days

Shimla: The Congress is likely to finalise its new organisational structure in Himachal Pradesh within the next two to three days.

According to party sources, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Pratibha Singh may retain her position, and the party would move forward under her leadership.

There is a possibility that the party may reintroduce the working president formula to strengthen the leadership.

The Congress high command has already constituted the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), District Congress Committees (DCCs) and Block Congress Committees (BCCs). However, an official announcement is pending, primarily due to differences over the number of organisational districts.

Some Congress leaders oppose copying BJP model

Some state Congress leaders have proposed increasing the number of districts from 13 to 17, arguing that a larger structure would help accommodate more leaders and enhance electoral strategy.

However, several senior Congress leaders have opposed this move, stating that copying the BJP’s structure — which has 17 organisational districts in Himachal — would not be appropriate.

Due to this disagreement, the high command has not yet finalised the district presidents, with appointments in two districts still pending. The rest of the organisational framework has been completed.

Banking on reports submitted by 2 central observers

This time, the Congress high command is forming the state unit based on reports submitted by observers who visited Himachal Pradesh in November and December last year.

This marks a shift in the party’s approach as earlier, the state president was appointed first and then given the authority to form the organisational team.

However, the new structure is being directly finalised by the high command.

Congress without organisational set-up for 147 days

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge had dissolved the Himachal Pradesh Congress’ block, district and state executive committees on November 6 last year.

Since then, the ruling Congress has been operating without an official organisational set-up for 147 days, leading to a decline in party activities.

The absence of an active organisation has also left the state government without a strong defence against opposition criticism, causing disappointment among party workers.

Sources suggest that leaders holding positions in the government would not be included in the new organisation as the party plans to enforce the “one man, one post” principle.

Similarly, inactive leaders are unlikely to find a place in the new structure.

The Congress aims to shape the organisation keeping in mind the upcoming panchayati raj and municipal elections later this year, as well as the 2027 Assembly elections. Party leaders believe a well-structured and active organisation will be crucial in ensuring electoral success.

Sunil Chadha