Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Congress unit chief Pratibha Singh expressed her discontent with the lack of involvement in cabinet expansion and appointments to boards and corporations. She conveyed feeling “sidelined and hurt” during a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Singh emphasized the need for coordination between the government and the party to fulfill promises made to the people and prevent demoralization among party workers.
The PCC chief, who was a contender for the chief minister’s position after the Congress’ victory in December, voiced her dissatisfaction. In May, she expressed concern over the destruction of her late husband’s legacy during a tour. Additionally, during a Congress rally in January, she criticized the state leadership for not acknowledging her husband’s contributions. Furthermore, in March, she highlighted the importance of reviving the state economy instead of blaming the previous BJP government.
During the meeting with Kharge, Pratibha Singh raised the issue of cabinet expansion and appointments in Himachal’s boards and corporations. A senior Congress functionary close to her stated that party leaders and workers are demoralized, prompting the PCC chief to discuss the matter with the Congress high command.
Despite giving a list of leaders to be accommodated in boards and corporations in May, the list remains unaddressed. The party functionary also mentioned that representations from workers have not received a response from the government. Pratibha Singh acknowledged her duty to represent the sentiments of party workers and expressed her disappointment at feeling sidelined and hurt.
With the 2022 elections approaching, Pratibha Singh emphasized the need to reward loyal and dedicated Congress workers. She intends to discuss these issues with Rahul ji, Priyanka ji, and K.C. Venugopal ji. Some party members and a legislator from Kangra district agreed that the PCC chief’s concerns were valid.
While the chief minister’s media advisor denies any internal differences, a Congress leader loyal to Sukhu admitted to the existence of rumblings within the party. Himachal can have 12 ministers, including the chief minister, and several MLAs are vying for the remaining three ministerial berths. Pratibha Singh has previously mentioned the importance of representation in “less represented areas.”
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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