New Himachal Congress Chief to Be Announced by Early November.
Rohit Thakur and Kuldeep Rathore Emerge as Front-runners; Raghubir Bali Joins Race Late.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today confirmed that the name of the new Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president will be announced by the end of October or the first week of November. The announcement is expected to come directly from the Congress high command in New Delhi, following a series of high-level meetings.
The Chief Minister made an urgent trip to the national capital on Thursday to meet with top party leaders, fueling speculation about an imminent appointment. He was joined by Education Minister Rohit Thakur and All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson and former HPCC chief Kuldeep Rathore, both of whom are considered top contenders for the post.
Adding a twist to the leadership race, Nagrota Bagwan MLA and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), Raghubir Singh Bali, is also believed to have entered the fray at the eleventh hour. Bali’s sudden entry has further intensified speculation around the selection process.
Despite the growing buzz, CM Sukhu urged restraint and patience. “There is no need for speculation. Once the party high command announces the name, everyone will know. The announcement will come either by the end of this month or in the first week of November,” he told media persons upon his return to Shimla.
Relief for Disaster-Affected, Pensioners
Apart from party matters, the Chief Minister also addressed pressing issues concerning the state’s disaster relief and pensioner grievances. Sukhu assured that the state government is committed to supporting those affected by recent natural disasters. He reiterated that a Rs 1,500-crore relief package, earlier announced by the state, is awaited from the Centre.
“We are still waiting to see if the Rs 1,500-crore package will come as a special grant or as part of a broader relief initiative. Regardless, once the package is received, assistance to the affected families will begin immediately,” Sukhu said.
He added that even if the central assistance is delayed, the state government will ensure that relief reaches the disaster-affected. “Instructions have already been issued in this regard,” he stated.
HRTC Pensioners’ Dues Being Cleared Gradually
Addressing concerns of retired employees of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), the Chief Minister criticized the previous BJP government for not clearing the dearness allowance (DA) arrears despite sufficient resources.
“We have already cleared DA arrears for pensioners above the age of 75 and are in the process of settling dues for those above 70. In view of Diwali, we have released Rs 10 crore for pensioners,” he added.
As the Congress leadership gears up to name its new state president, political observers are closely watching the moves in New Delhi. The choice of HPCC chief will be critical in shaping the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections and future Lok Sabha polls.
