Youth leader known for leadership skills, but rivals cite ‘inexperience’
S Gopal Puri
DHARAMSHALA: As the Himachal Pradesh Congress awaits the announcement of its new state president, an online debate is gaining momentum on whether RS Bali, a young MLA from Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra, be given the reins of the party’s state unit?
The question has divided party workers, leaders and political observers, with many seeing Bali as a promising face for the future, while others argue his relative inexperience and caste equations could go against him.
Why RS Bali makes a strong case
Raghubir Singh (RS) Bali, son of the late veteran leader GS Bali, represents Nagrota Bagwan in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Educated in hotel management from Bengaluru’s Ramaiah College, RS Bali began his political journey early through the National Students Union of India (NSUI).
Over the years, he has served as general secretary and vice-president of the Himachal Youth Congress and in 2022, secured a record-breaking victory in his father’s constituency.
Supporters argue that Bali brings much more than a famous surname. He is young, energetic and has already shown political mettle, particularly during the Rozgar Sangharsh Yatra in 2022 that mobilised thousands across Kangra and Hamirpur.
Most importantly, he belongs to Kangra district, which sends the highest number of MLAs (15) to the Assembly and is considered politically crucial in deciding who forms government in the state. Despite this, the Sukhu cabinet has been accused of underrepresenting Kangra and RS Bali’s elevation could restore balance.
Veteran journalist Sanjeev Sharma remarked that giving Bali the post would be “the most strategic decision” the Congress could make right now. “He brings regional balance, youthful energy and personal resources to run the party machinery effectively, qualities not easily found together,” Sharma said.
Many also point out that Bali’s financial capacity and backing allow him to fund party activities independently, a trait that could prove useful in a resource-crunched state unit. This is being compared to senior leader Kuldeep Rathore, who is reportedly reluctant to take the job again for financial reasons.
Caste dynamics: A double-edged sword
However, RS Bali’s Brahmin identity is also at the centre of the debate. While Brahmins make up around 18% of Himachal’s population, they are outnumbered by Rajputs (32%) and Scheduled Castes (25%). Historically, the state has been dominated by Rajput leaders.
Critics argue that appointing another upper-caste leader could further alienate other communities, especially Scheduled Castes, which hold 17 out of the 68 Assembly seats. “Why not a dynamic SC leader like Vinay Kumar?” asked a social media user, echoing concerns of imbalance in caste representation.
Adding to the mix is the ongoing KCC scam, where Bali has been accused of buying a hotel at throwaway prices. Though unproven, this case is being raised online, particularly by users like Rahul Kalash and Aditya Acharya, who argue that such issues could hurt the party’s image if left unaddressed. On the KCC issue, RS Bali recently clarified that he had nothing to hide, and that no rule was violated.
A Facebook user, Jai Pal Chaudhary, wrote: “It’s not just about being a Brahmin. RS Bali represents the lower Himachal region and brings balance to the CM’s dominance from upper Himachal. Plus, Brahmins have been kingmakers, not kings — maybe it’s time for a change.”
Another commenter pointed out: “There’s no rule that only Rajputs should lead. One CM is enough. The party president should be someone young, energetic and rooted in the most politically active district. That’s Bali.”
However, others counter that experience matters and RS Bali has not yet completed even a full term as MLA. “The Congress is in a delicate place in Himachal. It needs a tried and tested warhorse, not someone still riding on a legacy,” wrote another user.
