Shimla: In a show of unity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Pratibha Singh came together on Wednesday (May 21, 2025) to pay tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary.
The optics of solidarity at Sadbhawana Chowk, Chhota Shimla, however, belied the internal discord that continues to afflict the Himachal Pradesh Congress, which has yet to restructure its organisational apparatus nearly six months after it was dissolved.
Despite leading the state government, the Congress remains mired in an organisational vacuum, with CM Sukhu, Agnihotri and Pratibha Singh still navigating deep-seated differences over the formation of new party committees, said an analyst. The long-awaited overhaul is expected soon, with Sukhu emerging as the principal figure guiding the process, said sources.
Organisational paralysis despite being in power
While the Congress holds a comfortable majority in the 68-member state Assembly with 40 MLAs, the party’s organisational machinery remains virtually defunct. Since the disbandment of state, district and block-level committees six months ago, only Pratibha Singh continues as the PCC president, with no functional support structure beneath her.
This administrative void has slowed party activities and grassroots engagement. “The Congress is not paralysed, but it needs urgent rebuilding at the grassroots,” said Rajani Patil, AICC in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, during a recent visit.
Multiple consultations between Sukhu, Agnihotri and Pratibha have been held to finalise the new structure, but differences over regional and caste representation have delayed a breakthrough.
The sources said Sukhu, buoyed by the central leadership’s confidence after he thwarted the BJP’s alleged “Operation Lotus” in early 2024, is likely to get the final word on appointments. Sukhu, with his growing influence in Delhi, is expected to present his final recommendations to the high command later this week.
“CM Sukhu is treading carefully, just like during the cabinet expansion. He’s aiming for 2027 and wants to avoid moves that could deepen divides,” said a senior party functionary.
Uncertainty over continuation of Pratibha as PCC chief
Uncertainty looms over the continuation of Pratibha Singh as the PCC chief. As the only Congress-ruled state in North India, the stakes are high in Himachal. The party’s success in future elections may well depend on how effectively it can bridge its internal divides and rebuild its base.
Sunil Chadha
