Himachal Congress Set for Revival: CM Sukhu Pushes for Inclusive Leadership to End 10-Month Stalemate
After months of uncertainty, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has signaled a turning point for the Himachal Pradesh Congress. Speaking to reporters in Shimla after a visit to Delhi, Sukhu confirmed that the party’s long-standing organisational vacuum is nearing its end. He revealed that he has submitted a written recommendation to the Congress high command, urging them to appoint either a Scheduled Caste leader or a Cabinet Minister to the pivotal role of state president.
While Pratibha Singh remains the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president, the party has been functioning without other office bearers since November last year. This lack of district and block-level leadership has weakened grassroots coordination and left the party vulnerable to criticism from the opposition BJP, which has called the delay a sign of internal disarray.
Sukhu acknowledged that the final decision rests with the high command, especially on whether a minister can simultaneously serve as state president. He emphasized that senior leaders have already shared their views, and the selection process could take up to two months. Once the new team is in place, the cabinet is also expected to undergo expansion and reshuffling to fill a vacant ministerial seat.
Behind the scenes, party insiders say the leadership is searching for a candidate who can unify various factions ahead of key political battles, including local body elections and the 2027 Assembly polls. Pratibha Singh herself has expressed support for an “acceptable leader” and pledged to continue serving the party regardless of the outcome.
By linking the organisational revamp with cabinet changes, Sukhu is sending a clear message: the Congress is gearing up to rebuild its strength and reconnect with its base. But until new appointments are made, the party remains in a holding pattern — one that has already hampered its ability to mobilize workers and counter opposition attacks.
