The Congress Political Affairs Committee (PAC) is set to convene a crucial two-day meeting in Dharamshala on June 16-17, 2026, to address key organisational challenges and chart a strategy for the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. The meeting will be attended by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, marking a significant effort to streamline party-government coordination and resolve internal issues.
Key Participants and Agenda
The meeting will bring together Himachal Congress president Vinay Kumar, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, former Union Minister Anand Sharma, Cabinet ministers, and other senior party functionaries. According to AICC in-charge Rajni Patil, who confirmed the meeting during a visit to Shimla, all crucial matters including a possible Cabinet reshuffle will be on the table. “All crucial issues, including a Cabinet reshuffle, could be discussed during the PAC meeting,” Patil stated, adding that Venugopal will specially travel to Dharamshala to attend.
Filling Cabinet Vacancy and Organisational Issues
One of the primary agenda items is filling the lone vacancy in the Council of Ministers. Chief Minister Sukhu acknowledged the issue, saying the party high command would take the final call. “Subject to weather conditions, it has been decided to convene the PAC meeting in Dharamshala, which will be attended by KC Venugopal,” Sukhu said. The meeting is expected to deliberate on organisational shortcomings, coordination between the party and the state government, and address any grievances to ensure unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
PAC Composition and Significance
The AICC constituted the PAC on March 28, comprising 26 members besides Patil and two AICC secretaries. Notable members include former state Congress presidents Pratibha Singh, Kuldeep Rathore, Kaul Singh Thakur, and Kuldeep Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma, and several MLAs. With the Assembly elections due by November 2027, the PAC meeting is seen as a critical step to iron out differences and strengthen the party’s organisational machinery.
Strategic Importance
The Dharamshala meeting underscores the Congress party’s focus on Himachal Pradesh, where it currently holds power. By addressing both organisational and governmental issues, the PAC aims to present a united front and build a robust campaign for the upcoming polls. The discussions are expected to yield a concrete roadmap for the elections, ensuring that the party is well-prepared to retain power in the state.
