Vinay Kumar likely to be appointed Himachal Congress Chief
Shimla, June 17,
The Himachal Pradesh Congress appears poised to appoint Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Dalit leader Vinay Kumar as its new State President, replacing sitting PCC Chief Pratibha Singh, wife of the late six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. The decision, awaiting formal approval from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), is reportedly aimed at addressing internal caste equations, calming factional infighting, and reasserting control over a party unit grappling with both political instability and growing public criticism.
Vinay Kumar, a three-time MLA from Shri Renukaji in Sirmaur district, is no stranger to organisational responsibilities. A former Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) in the Virbhadra Singh government and once working president of the state Congress, Kumar is seen as a leader who can walk the tightrope between loyalty to the legacy of Virbhadra Singh and acceptability to the current ruling camp led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri.
Kumar’s recent visit to Delhi, where he met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party in-charge Rajni Patil, and Kharge’s political advisor Dr. Syed Nasir Hussain, has further strengthened speculation. Party insiders suggest that his selection has near-total backing from the high command and that both Sukhu and Agnihotri have given their consent, despite Vinay’s old association with the rival Virbhadra Singh faction.
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“If given the responsibility, I will try to live up to the expectations of the party. I’ve always received the support of Holly Lodge and the blessings of the high command. I believe in taking everyone along,” Vinay Kumar stated in a careful political comment, balancing humility with a hint of confidence.
Delayed Consensus
For nearly seven months, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), along with district and block units, has been lying dissolved. This prolonged vacuum in organisational leadership has exposed and deepened factional fault lines. While Pratibha Singh completed her term months ago, intense lobbying and conflicting interests within the ruling establishment delayed the announcement of her successor.
Sources close to the CM’s camp revealed that Sukhu had submitted a panel of four names to the high command—Sanjay Awasthi (Arki), Vinod Sultanpuri (Dharampur), Suresh Kumar (Bhoranj), and Vinay Kumar (Shri Renukaji). Ultimately, caste representation, party loyalty, and wider acceptability helped tip the balance in favour of Vinay Kumar.
The Congress is clearly attempting to play the Dalit card, with electoral significance in nearly 15 to 17 assembly constituencies. However, political observers warn that the gesture may not translate into substantial ground-level gains given the state government’s growing unpopularity.
Deputy Speaker post to open up
Vinay Kumar’s elevation would also trigger the vacancy of the Deputy Speaker’s post in the Vidhan Sabha. Speculation is rife that CM Sukhu wants to fill this key constitutional position with someone from his own loyal camp. Potential contenders include Sanjay Ratan (Jawalamukhi), Bhuvneshwar Gaur (Manali), and Chandrashekhar (Dharampur), with Sanjay Awasthi emerging as a strong possibility.
Sources suggest that Sukhu may use this opportunity to solidify control in the Assembly by placing a trusted aide in this important legislative role.
Party in Peril
Beyond internal politics, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is facing mounting criticism for its handling of economic and public welfare issues. The government, halfway through its term, has taken several unpopular decisions, including, Increase in bus fares and milk prices, Water bill hikes and removal of government subsidies on 14 diagnostic tests, A newly introduced ₹10 registration charge per patient at state-run hospitals and increased power tariffs, stamp duties, and documentation charges
These steps—perceived as austerity measures under pressure from dwindling central assistance—have hurt the public and especially the middle and lower classes. While the state government blames the Centre for not releasing pending funds, citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with how financial burdens are being shifted onto them.
Tourism, transport, healthcare, and small industries—sectors central to the hill economy—are also feeling the pressure of rising operational costs and inflation.
The AICC’s reluctance to retain Pratibha Singh or any leader from her camp, despite the strong emotional connect the Virbhadra legacy still holds in the state, indicates a deliberate distancing. Many believe this is part of CM Sukhu’s long-term strategy to consolidate power by marginalising his rivals within the party.
However, the high command’s delayed action and failure to quickly stabilise the organisation are being viewed as lethargic. “The damage has already been done in terms of public perception,” said a senior Congress leader on condition of anonymity.
Political analysts note that while the appointment of a Dalit leader like Vinay Kumar may be a step toward inclusiveness, it is unlikely to reverse the downward slide of the Congress unless accompanied by strong economic recovery measures and intra-party reconciliation.
In a state where factionalism has often cost the Congress dearly, the next few months will be crucial—not only for the survival of the government but for the party’s future electoral prospects.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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