The two-day organisational meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Congress began on a contentious note as Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi publicly opposed the appointment of Nigam Bhandari as the president of the District Congress Committee (DCC), Kinnaur. Negi, who has repeatedly questioned the decision, skipped the General House meeting held on Saturday in Shimla, where most ministers, senior leaders, and district and block presidents were present.
Leadership Attempts to Defuse Tensions
Party leaders sought to downplay the incident, terming it a "misunderstanding" and a "difference of opinion." AICC in-charge for Himachal, Rajni Patil, who was the chief guest at the General House, stated that she would speak to Negi to resolve the issue. "There's some misunderstanding. I will sit with both of them and try to clear the misunderstanding," she said.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu echoed similar sentiments, asserting that it was merely a difference of opinion and not a serious disagreement. "Negi is our respected minister and he has merely expressed his opinion. Nigam is general secretary of the Indian Youth Congress. It's just a difference of opinion. We will talk to them and sort out the matter," Sukhu assured.
Bhandari Responds to Negi's Charges
While Negi was absent, Bhandari attended the meeting. Responding to Negi's allegations that Bhandari was part of the BJP's B-team and a "parachute candidate," Bhandari expressed respect for Negi and sought his guidance. "I have been associated with the Congress for a long time. Even my father had been associated with the party as gram panchayat pradhan," Bhandari said, defending his credentials.
Meeting Agenda: Strengthening Organisation and 2027 Strategy
The two-day meeting aims to bolster the party's organisational structure, enhance coordination among frontal organisations, and devise strategies for upcoming political challenges. State Congress president Vinay Kumar outlined the focus: "We will discuss and deliberate on our preparations and strategy for the 2027 elections and the strengthening and expansion of the party."
During the General House meeting, Rajni Patil urged party workers to publicise the government's achievements and emphasised regular organisational meetings to fortify the party at all levels. Chief Minister Sukhu appealed for grassroots-level strengthening and announced his participation in all Block Congress Committee meetings over the next six months. He also revealed plans to organise rallies featuring senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across the state in the coming three months. "The government has fulfilled every guarantee made to the people and will form the government again after the 2027 Assembly elections," Sukhu asserted.
