A daunting task ahead for Pratibha
SHIMLA: Even as the Congress looks to enhance its performance in Himachal Pradesh with the much-awaited rejig, Pratibha Singh, who has been appointed as the party’s new state chief, faces an uphill task of uniting the faction-ridden state unit and countering the ‘well-organised’ BJP in the upcoming assembly elections.
The appointment of Pratibha, 66, is also a signal that the Congress had no other option but to depend on the legacy of her late husband Virbhadra Singh, who served as Himachal CM or record six terms.
The party was reeling under leadership crisis after Virbhadra’s demise with several factions fighting for dominance. Earlier, former HP chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and CLP leader Mukesh Agnihotri were the top contenders. Sukhu later started lobbying for the post of campaign committee head while Agnihotri reportedly stepped back after the high command imposed a condition that PCC chief will not contest the assembly elections. Keeping her flock together amid the rise of the AAP would be a tough challenge for the third-term MP, who has little experience in running the party affairs.
Pratibha said her prime focus will be to work in tandem with all state leaders, unitedly fight the upcoming assembly elections and bring the Congress back in power. “We are a big family. Many leaders are far more experienced than me. We will sit together to talk about various issues and chalk out strategy to ensure party’s victory,” she added. She also ruled out further changes in the organisation at the state level. Pratibha said the chief minister will be selected by the legislative party.
Cong promoting dynasty politics: BJP
BJP’S Himachal in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna on Wednesday slammed the Congress for ‘promoting nepotism’. He also mocked the Congress for appointing four working presidents. He said it gives an impression that the Congress doubts the efficiency of its president.