Seasoned, strong leader sought as HPCC president

If the Congress high command goes by the feedback given by senior state leaders, a seasoned leader of stature will be appointed president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC).

“There was consensus among the state party leaders that a person with good political standing should be given the reins of the organisation in the state. The sentiment was conveyed to the party high command and state in-charge Rajni Patil in one-to-one meeting,” said Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan after returning from Delhi.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state president Pratibha Singh and six senior ministers had wide-ranging discussions on issues related to government and party with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Monday.

Further, it has emerged that the party high command may not go entirely by the caste and regional equations while naming the new president. “There was a consensus that merit should not be ignored while trying to address caste and regional factors while naming the party president. But, in politics, caste and regional factors can’t be ignored altogether,” said Education Minister Rohit Thakur.

In the race for the post of the state party president, Thakur has emerged as a strong contender after the meeting in Delhi. “I am satisfied with the role the party has given me. But the decision of the party high command is final and everyone has to accept it,” he said, giving clear indication that he was ready to head the party if asked.

Chauhan expressed hope that the party president would be named shortly, and thereafter the HPCC, lying defunct for nine months now, would be reconstituted. “Not having an active organisation for so long has damaged us. The organisation works as a bridge between workers and the government.”

Chauhan further said that the state leaders urged the party high command to appoint the president and reconstitute the HPCC at the earliest as elections for urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions were just round the corner. “These elections are just a few months away now and we need to have an active organisation on the ground for these elections,” he said.