SHIMLA: Amid persistent talk of an impending Himachal Pradesh cabinet expansion, All India Congress Committee in-charge Rajni Patil has delivered a surprising revelation, stating that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has not yet submitted any formal proposal regarding the matter. Her statement indicates that no official move is currently underway at the party leadership level, raising questions as to whether the delay stems from the Chief Minister’s end.
Addressing a press conference, Rajni Patil clarified that the expansion process would move forward only after the Chief Minister submits his proposal. When asked about Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur’s induction into the cabinet, she directed the query to Sukhu, stating that the Chief Minister himself should answer it.
Chief Minister Sukhu had previously stated in Shimla on August 11 that the cabinet expansion would take place soon after obtaining permission from the party high command, noting that Sunder Singh Thakur could take oath as a minister at any time. Later, during a visit to Solan on September 25, Sukhu reiterated that efforts were being made to fill the single vacant cabinet post and the Deputy Speaker position before the state government completes four years in office on December 11.
Friction and Coordination Challenges in Congress
The statement comes at a time when the Himachal Pradesh Congress has launched its preparations for the 2027 assembly elections following two days of organizational meetings in Shimla. However, these sessions brought internal friction to the fore, particularly between block and district levels.
Patil acknowledged the organizational tension, noting that minor differences occur in every family. She stressed that the government and the organizational wing are not working against each other and that nearly 90 percent of district presidents complained that block presidents do not listen to them. Emphasizing discipline, she warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated at any level and assured that remaining vacant organizational posts would be filled soon.
Electoral Strategy and Allegations
Outlining the party’s roadmap for Mission 2027, Patil stated that Congress will take the government’s schemes to the public and raise the paper leak issue as a major campaign topic. She claimed that 70 to 80 youths died by suicide due to paper leaks, though no independent confirmation was presented for this claim during the briefing. She also shared plans to organize Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ program in the state.
Taking a sharp aim at the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Patil questioned the neutrality of the poll panel and made offensive remarks against the CEC, referring to the body as a “chor aayog” . Alleging collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission, she announced statewide protests across all Himachal districts on Monday over alleged “vote theft.” She further cited the recent elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, alleging widespread voter list manipulation and “vote stealing” without presenting independent documentation for the figures cited.
