Shimla, June 11,
The political stalemate over appointing a new Himachal Pradesh Congress president appears to be nearing a decisive phase, as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and members of his council of ministers step up efforts to secure the crucial organizational post for a loyalist. A series of high-level meetings with senior Congress leaders in Delhi signals growing urgency within the state leadership to resolve the prolonged impasse.
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Following visits by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh to the national capital for talks with the central leadership, Chief Minister Sukhu has also arrived in Delhi and is expected to meet top All India Congress Committee (AICC) figures. This latest round of discussions was preceded by Agnihotri’s meeting with Priyanka Gandhi and Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, followed by Vikramaditya Singh’s deliberations with Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Venugopal. Sukhu’s presence in Delhi has raised anticipation among party insiders that a decision on the new Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief may finally be on the horizon.
The Congress unit in Himachal Pradesh has remained without a fully functional organizational setup for over seven months. Although the tenure of current PCC president Pratibha Singh has ended, entrenched factional divides have stalled the selection of her successor. The leadership struggle is marked by three dominant factions — one led by Chief Minister Sukhu, another by Deputy CM Agnihotri, and the third aligned with the influential “Holy Lodge” group led by Pratibha Singh and her son, Vikramaditya Singh. The Holy Lodge camp continues to command influence in state party affairs and is advocating for Vikramaditya’s elevation, projecting him as a viable leader to steer the party into the 2027 Assembly elections.
Adding to this narrative, a Facebook page titled “Pratibha Singh PCC President” recently promoted Vikramaditya Singh as the ideal candidate to lead the Himachal unit, giving further momentum to lobbying efforts in his favour. However, sources suggest that Chief Minister Sukhu is exploring other options from within his camp, including MLAs Sanjay Awasthi, Suresh Kumar, and Vinod Sultanpuri. This list, however, has met resistance, with questions raised about the political stature and experience of some proposed names, especially Sultanpuri.
In a bid to find middle ground, the Sukhu camp is believed to have floated Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh as a potential compromise candidate. According to sources, Singh is open to assuming the role provided he can retain his cabinet portfolio. If relinquishing his ministerial post becomes a prerequisite, he may choose to opt out.
Reports also suggest that the opposing camp has considered fielding Deputy CM Agnihotri for the top organizational post. However, his appointment would necessitate giving up his current position — an option he is reportedly unwilling to entertain. Amid this political chessboard, a surprise name has emerged in the form of AICC spokesperson and former PCC chief Kuldeep Singh Rathore. Despite his current marginalization within the party, Rathore’s image as a neutral candidate may appeal to the central leadership keen to resolve the infighting and restore organizational coherence.
As consultations continue in Delhi, party workers across Himachal Pradesh remain anxious for clarity. The eventual decision will not only shape the immediate direction of the party in the state but may also determine its preparedness and unity heading into the crucial 2027 Assembly elections
