Congress begins process to appoint new Mandi dist chief

The Congress Party has initiated its exercise for the appointment of a new president of the District Congress Committee in Mandi district under its nationwide ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ (organisation creation campaign). As part of this process, former Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajesh Thakur has been appointed the All India Congress Committee observer for Mandi district.

Addressing a press conference in Mandi before beginning his week-long review tour, Thakur said the campaign is being carried out in line with the vision of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with a focus on identifying grassroots leaders capable of strengthening the organisation.

Thakur would spend several days meeting local leaders, party workers and potential candidates for the district president’s post. He would assess their understanding of public issues, their connection with the grassroots and their ability to raise people’s concerns effectively. Based on these interactions, he would prepare and send his recommendations to the party high command by December 5.

He said the Congress aims to appoint dynamic and committed individuals who can function as a new power centre within the organisation. Such leadership, he added, would help the party grow stronger in the coming years. Thakur said he would fulfil the responsibility assigned to him with full sincerity.

During the press conference, Thakur also criticised the Centre, accusing it of adopting a discriminatory approach towards the state. He claimed the Centre’s attitude reflects a lack of concern for the people of the state. Despite this, he said, Himachal Pradesh is moving towards becoming self-reliant and would soon achieve this goal through its own efforts.

Thakur alleged the BJP has crossed all limits in what he described as “vote theft,” accusing the ruling party of attempting to influence voters through direct monetary transfers into their bank accounts.

He was accompanied by former minister Rangeela Ram Rao, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur, Congress observer for Mandi from HPCC Rajiv Kimta, Pawan Thakur, Chet Ram Thakur and other local leaders.