Shimla, June 17(UNI) After months of intense lobbying and factional tug-of-war, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) is reportedly close to announcing Assembly deputy speaker Vinay Kumar as the next Himachal Pradesh Congress president. The move appears aimed at caste-balancing, rewarding loyalty, and bridging the rift within the state unit.

Vinay Kumar, MLA from Shri Renukaji and a Dalit leader, enjoys support from both Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri. Despite his roots in the Virbhadra Singh camp, his moderate image and non-confrontational stance during the 2024 Rajya Sabha election crisis — when he resisted BJP overtures and stood by the Congress — seem to have tipped the scales in his favour.

With the party poised to replace Pratibha Singh, widow of the late Virbhadra Singh, citing the “one family, one post” principle, the Congress high command appears to be delicately balancing political arithmetic and internal dissent. Sources indicate that CM Sukhu had pitched a panel of four names, including Sanjay Awasthi, Vinod Sultanpuri, Suresh Kumar, and Vinay Kumar, with the latter emerging as the consensus candidate.

Vinay’s elevation will vacate the deputy speaker’s post, prompting speculation that Sanjay Ratan, Bhuvneshwar Gaur, or Chandrashekhar could be considered to fill the slot — each offering their own factional value.

However, the long delay in appointing a new Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president has only exacerbated tensions within the Himachal Congress. The dissolution of all party units seven months ago left a vacuum, amplifying internal discontent. Observers believe the indecision reflects AICC’s inability to rein in factionalism or present a coherent leadership roadmap in the hill state.

Meanwhile, increasing bus fares, removal of diagnostic test subsidies, Rs 10 patient registration charges in hospitals, water and milk price hikes, and raised power tariffs are fueling resentment. Revenue stamp and documentation cost hikes are further straining public trust.

The government’s perceived extravagance in the face of dwindling resources and a central government squeeze on funds has painted a bleak fiscal picture.

While Vinay Kumar’s appointment could momentarily stabilize the Congress, experts warn that unless followed by sincere grassroots engagement and corrective economic measures, it may do little to revive the party’s public image.

UNI ML PRS