HPCC chief Vinay Kumar questions timing of women’s reservation Bill

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Vinay Kumar on Wednesday questioned the timing and intent behind the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that its presentation in Parliament was politically driven despite having been passed earlier with broad consensus.

Addressing a press conference here, Kumar said the Bill had already been cleared in 2023 with the support of all parties. He questioned its linkage with the delimitation exercise, alleging that the move was aimed at “creating political optics rather than ensuring immediate implementation”.

Rejecting BJP allegations that the Congress was anti-women, he highlighted the party’s record of promoting women to key constitutional and political positions, including Prime Minister, President and Lok Sabha Speaker. He said the Congress had consistently prioritised women’s participation in governance.

“The Bill has already been passed with consensus and should be implemented. We have never opposed it,” he said.

Responding to a query regarding the absence of women block presidents in recent organisational appointments, Kumar said due process had been followed and that no woman candidate had applied for certain posts.

On the Congress government’s guarantees, he said work on six promises had already been initiated and the remaining would be fulfilled during the tenure. He also claimed that the government had generated more employment opportunities compared to the previous regime.

On the upcoming municipal elections, Kumar said the party would contest on local issues specific to each urban body and had begun preparations, including appointing election in-charges.

Accusing the Centre of delaying the caste census, he alleged a lack of political will despite assurances made in Parliament.

Rahul Gandhi likely to visit Kangra on April 30

The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee president said senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Kangra on April 30 to address an ongoing training programme for district-level leadership of three states. The programme, organised by the All-India Congress Committee, is bringing together office-bearers from Himachal, Haryana and Punjab as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots organisation. It aims to familiarise new office-bearers with the party’s ideology, history and governance record.

MC elections: State Cong appoints key leaders as in-charge

The All-India Congress Committee in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, along with state Congress president Vinay Kumar, has approved the appointment of leaders as in-charge for the upcoming municipal corporation elections with immediate effect.

Minister Rohit Thakur will oversee Solan, Vikramaditya Singh has been assigned Mandi, Rajesh Dharmani will handle Palampur and RS Bali will be in charge of Dharamsala.

State organisation general secretary Vinod Zinta issued the notification, directing the leaders to ensure coordination to bolster the party’s prospects in the elections.