Congress reinstates rebel leader Vijay Pal Khachi ahead of key elections

In a strategic move, the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) has announced the reinstatement of Vijay Pal Khachi, a prominent party rebel, who contested the 2022 assembly elections against the official Congress candidate from Theog Assembly. The decision, seen as a crucial step in consolidating the party’s strength ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly by-elections, was taken following the recommendation of the State Congress Disciplinary Committee Chairperson and with the approval of Rajeev Shukla, AICC Incharge (Himachal Pradesh), and Pratibha Singh, President of the HPCC.

Vijay Pal Khachi, the son of the late senior Congress leader JBL Khachi, was expelled from the Congress party for six years after the 2022 assembly polls. His return is expected to bolster the party’s prospects in the Shimla reserve constituency, a critical seat for the Congress due to its high voter turnout and economic significance, especially in apple cultivation.

Political analysts believe that bringing Khachi back into the fold could provide the Congress with a decisive edge in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Theog, traditionally a Congress stronghold within Shimla district, holds significant influence due to its large electorate and economic prosperity.

The Congress, currently in an alliance with INDIA partners CPI(M), CPI, and AAP for the parliamentary elections, views Khachi’s reinstatement as a unifying move. Prior to the official announcement, a joint press conference was held at Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla, attended by key figures including Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Theog MLA, and CPI(M) former MLA Rakesh Singha.

The 2022 assembly election in Theog was highly competitive, with five candidates vying for the seat. Despite the crowded field, the Congress managed to secure victory. The candidates included official Congress nominee Mr. Rathore, Congress rebels Vijay Pal Khachi and Indu Verma, CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, and BJP’s Ajay Shyam.

The reinstatement of Khachi is part of a broader strategy by both the Congress and the BJP to address internal dissent and strengthen their ranks. In the aftermath of the 2022 assembly elections, where both parties faced significant defections, there has been a concerted effort to bring disgruntled leaders back into the party fold. This reconciliation is crucial as both parties aim to set their houses in order before the high-stakes Lok Sabha and assembly by-elections.