‘Winning all 4 LS seats my priority’
Kuldeep Rathore - the man picked up by All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Rahul Gandhi for party's top post in Himachal Pradesh has a tough job on his hands. A close confidante of Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, Rathore has became the first non-mla to become Himachal Congress president replacing Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. He has an uphill task of not only striking a balance between the warring factions among the party, but also to placate six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh who has been critical about the party’s functioning. Born on August 29,1960, Rathore belongs to an agriculturists’ family in Chebri village in Kumarsain in Theog assembly segment and is a senior advocate.
What is your top priority at the moment?
My appointment comes just at threshold of Lok Sabha elections. Therefore, bringing the grass root workers and leaders together apart from winning all four seatsshimla, Kangra, Mandi and Hamirpur, is the prime focus of the party. We will select the candidates who have the ability to win the elections and will try to strike a balance between caste, creed and region in Himachal.
The party has remained as a divided house in HP? How do you plan to curb this factional feud ?
I have the blessing of all the senior leaders. I can confidently say that my appointment has been a consensual decision, including Sukhwinder Singh Sukhus’ who had no problem with my appointment. I would not deny the existence of a factional fight within the party but i have a good experience of working in the organisation and know the leaders well to improve the coordination among them. I will work hard to generate consensus among party leaders before taking major decisions.
Lobbying is already underway for LS elections. Former CM Virbhadra Singh is already pushing candidature of his loyalists for different seats. How do you intend to deal with this
situation ?
A strategy will be drawn for the elections this year where we will weigh various factors before allotting tickets. Any decision with regard to a party candidates will only be taken only after consultation with workers, party leaders and central leaders. Inculcating discipline in the party remains one of my top priorities.
What are your plans for Himachal Congress?
Party will give preference to state youth. I belive that workers and leaders who have devoted their lives and time for the party should be given due credit and recognition. There are many senior workers and leaders who feel neglected at times and hence become reluctant to attend party meetings. They too need to be motivated.
Do you propose any specific change in the party?
Changes in the party will be made with time. There are various areas in the party which require change. It will be effected with passage of time. But as of now there are no plans in bringing immediate changes.
How do you intend to counter the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party?
Congress party will adopt an aggressive posture against the state government. So far chief minister Jai Ram Thakur has failed to live upto the expectation of a common man.