Dy Speaker Vinay Kumar breaks silence on Himachal Congress chief ‘buzz’: Not in the race, but will accept party’s decision

Shimla, June 25,

Himachal Pradesh Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Congress leader Vinay Kumar has denied reports suggesting he is in the race to become the next State Congress president. Speaking to the media, Kumar clarified, “I never said that I am being considered for the post of State Congress president.”

He acknowledged that he had been invited to Delhi by the party high command, where he held meetings with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, state in-charge Rajya Sabha MP Rajni Patil, and other senior leaders. “My opinion was sought during these meetings,” he said, while asserting that he remains a committed party worker.

“Though I am not in the race, if the party high command offers me the post, I will accept it and work on it honestly and diligently. I am a true soldier of the Congress party, and any decision taken by the high command will be acceptable to me,” he said. He added that there are several leaders aspiring for the post, but the final decision lies with the central leadership.

Also read:Vinay Kumar likely to be appointed Himachal Congress Chief

Kumar’s statement comes amid strong speculation in political circles that he may be appointed to replace sitting Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Pratibha Singh. The Congress leadership is reportedly considering a change to address internal caste equations, curb factional infighting, and regain control over the state unit, which has been facing instability and rising public discontent.

A three-time MLA from the Shri Renukaji constituency in Sirmaur district and a prominent Dalit leader, Kumar has previously served as Chief Parliamentary Secretary in the Virbhadra Singh government and also as the working president of the state Congress unit. He is seen as a leader capable of balancing loyalty to the legacy of the late six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while maintaining acceptability within the current ruling camp led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri.

The organisational vacuum in the Himachal Pradesh Congress has persisted for nearly seven months, with the PCC, district, and block units dissolved. While Pratibha Singh completed her term months ago, the appointment of her successor has been delayed due to intense lobbying and internal disagreements within the party ranks.

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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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Himachalscape bureau

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.