Rajni Patil’s challenge: Reviving Cong in state amidst internal discord

The Congress high command has appointed senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Rajni Patil as the new in-charge of Himachal Pradesh, replacing Rajiv Shukla. Her immediate challenge is to restructure the state executive of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), which has been in limbo for over three and a half months.

The high command dissolved the jumbo-sized state executive on November 6, 2024, at the request of state Congress president Pratibha Singh, backed by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. However, internal divisions, factional infighting and persistent lobbying have delayed its reconstitution. Former in-charge Rajiv Shukla struggled to build consensus among leaders, exposing deep-rooted rivalries within the party.

The delay has frustrated many within the party, with senior cabinet ministers like Dhani Ram Shandil publicly voicing concerns. The gap between the party organisation and the government has widened, adding pressure on Rajni Patil to restore harmony and direction. Recently, state Congress president Pratibha Singh sent a proposal to the high command after consultations with Chief Minister Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri.

Key tasks for her

Bridging the organisation-government divide: One of Patil’s top priorities is ensuring coordination between the HPCC and the state government. This unity is crucial for the party’s preparation for the 2027 assembly elections. A divided Congress could weaken its electoral prospects, making it imperative for Patil to establish a seamless working relationship between the two entities.

Reviving morale among party cadres: The prolonged delay in restructuring the HPCC has left many party workers disheartened. Those who were not given roles in the government or the organisation feel alienated. Patil must revitalise the grassroots network by addressing their concerns, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering a sense of belonging among cadres.

Managing aspirants’ expectations: Factionalism within the state unit has led to frustration among party leaders who feel overlooked. Striking a balance between various interest groups while maintaining transparency and meritocracy in appointments will be critical to restoring faith in the leadership. Patil must navigate these demands carefully to prevent further internal strife.

Ensuring ministers’ engagement with workers: A major complaint among grassroots workers is the lack of interaction with ministers. Many believe the government is disconnected from the organisation. Patil could propose a structured schedule for ministers to visit the party office, engage with workers, and address their grievances. Regular interactions would not only boost morale but also bridge communication gaps.

The road ahead

To succeed in her new role, Rajni Patil must adopt a strategic approach:

Reconstituting the HPCC executive: She must accommodate different factions while maintaining discipline and avoiding favoritism.

Strengthening coordination: Facilitating regular dialogue between the government and the party organisation will be crucial to resolving misunderstandings and ensuring alignment.

Re-energising party workers: Launching training programs and grassroots campaigns can help cadres connect with voters more effectively.

Highlighting government achievements: Coordinated efforts at the booth and block levels should focus on showcasing the Sukhu government’s flagship initiatives.

Rajni Patil’s success will depend on her ability to instil discipline, foster unity and channel the Congress cadres’ energy into a cohesive electoral strategy. If she fails to address these internal challenges, the party’s prospects in Himachal Pradesh could suffer significantly.

(Writer is a senior political analyst based in Shimla)