New Himachal Congress Chief to Be Appointed by First Week of November: Sukhu

Education Minister Rohit Thakur and AICC spokesperson Kuldeep Rathore emerge as frontrunners

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Thursday that the Congress high command is expected to announce the new Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president by the end of this month or the first week of November.

The Chief Minister arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day to meet senior party leaders. Education Minister Rohit Thakur and AICC spokesperson Kuldeep Rathore also traveled to the capital, fueling speculation that the announcement of the new HPCC chief could come soon. Both leaders are believed to be leading contenders for the post.

Raghubir Singh Bali, MLA from Nagrota Bagwan and chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), is also said to have joined the race in the final stretch.

However, Sukhu cautioned against unnecessary speculation. “There is no need for conjecture. Once the party high command finalizes the name, everyone will know. The announcement will be made either by the end of October or in the first week of November,” he told reporters after returning from Delhi.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister also said that the state government is committed to providing relief to people affected by recent natural disasters. “We are waiting for the ₹1,500-crore financial package announced by the Chief Minister. We will see whether it comes as a special grant or as a relief package. Once it is received, we will begin extending assistance to the affected families,” Sukhu said.

He added that even if there is a delay in the central government’s financial assistance, the state government will ensure that relief reaches all those impacted. “I have already issued instructions to provide help to every affected person,” he said.

Responding to questions about the ongoing agitation by HRTC pensioners, the Chief Minister blamed the previous BJP government for failing to pay arrears of dearness allowance (DA) despite having sufficient resources. “We have already cleared DA arrears for pensioners above 75 years of age and are gradually releasing payments for those above 70,” Sukhu said.

He added, “Ahead of Diwali, we have released ₹10 crore for pensioners to ensure they receive their dues on time.”