Local Body Polls Crucial for Congress’ Future in Himachal: Pratibha Singh

Senior Congress leader, former MP, and ex–state Congress president Pratibha Singh has underlined the importance of the upcoming elections to municipal bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions in Himachal Pradesh, calling them a decisive moment for the party. The elections include polls to four municipal corporations in the state, which she said will largely determine the political direction and strength of parties in the coming years.

Speaking to party workers, Pratibha Singh said the Congress is currently in power in Himachal Pradesh and is doing its best to deliver despite challenging economic circumstances. She urged the people of the state to lend their full support to the party, saying a strong mandate would help the government work more effectively and fulfill its commitments.

She also appealed to party leaders, newly appointed office-bearers, and district and block-level presidents to work together in unity to ensure a Congress victory. Describing the local body elections as her first major test after recent organizational changes, she said success would depend on discipline, coordination, and collective effort at all levels.

Recalling the legacy of late Virbhadra Singh, the six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Pratibha Singh said he never took any election lightly, regardless of its scale. His seriousness and grassroots connect, she noted, were key reasons why the Congress steadily expanded its support base in the state. While acknowledging his absence, she said his principles and guidance continue to inspire the party.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen the organization, she called for timely expansion of the party structure and for assigning key responsibilities to hardworking and committed workers. Pratibha Singh added that the Congress must now begin preparing in earnest for the next Assembly elections, scheduled for next year. With high expectations from the people, she stressed that the party must deliver results on time and live up to the trust placed in it.