Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Congress Meet Begins Amid Negi-Bhandari Row; Leadership Calls It a ‘Difference of Opinion’
The Himachal Pradesh Congress’ two-day organisational meeting commenced on Saturday under the shadow of a growing controversy involving Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and newly appointed Kinnaur District Congress Committee (DCC) president Nigam Bhandari.
The Himachal Pradesh Congress’ two-day organisational meeting commenced on Saturday under the shadow of a growing controversy involving Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and newly appointed Kinnaur District Congress Committee (DCC) president Nigam Bhandari.
The political row surfaced after Negi publicly expressed his displeasure over Bhandari’s appointment and raised questions over the party’s decision. Notably, Negi remained absent from the General House meeting attended by senior Congress leaders, ministers, district presidents and block-level office bearers.
Congress Leadership Calls Dispute a Misunderstanding
Seeking to downplay the controversy, the Congress leadership described the issue as a misunderstanding rather than a serious internal conflict.
AICC in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil, who attended the General House meeting as the chief guest, said efforts would be made to resolve the differences through dialogue.
She stated that there appeared to be some misunderstanding between the two leaders and expressed confidence that discussions would help clear the air.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also dismissed the episode as a mere difference of opinion. He said Jagat Singh Negi was a respected minister who had simply shared his views, while Nigam Bhandari held an important position in the Indian Youth Congress. According to the Chief Minister, the matter would be resolved through discussions.
Nigam Bhandari Responds to Allegations
While Negi skipped the meeting, Nigam Bhandari attended the organisational session and maintained a conciliatory stance.
Bhandari said he had immense respect for Negi and would continue to seek his guidance while discharging his responsibilities as the Kinnaur DCC president.
Rejecting allegations that he was a “parachute candidate” or linked to the BJP’s alleged B-team, Bhandari highlighted his long-standing association with the Congress party. He noted that his family had deep roots in the organisation, adding that his father had also served as a Gram Panchayat Pradhan.
Congress Focuses on 2027 Election Strategy
Despite the ongoing controversy, the Congress leadership has shifted its attention towards strengthening the organisation ahead of the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
State Congress president Vinay Kumar said the two-day meeting would focus on expanding the party network, improving coordination among frontal organisations and preparing a comprehensive strategy for future political challenges.
Rajni Patil urged party workers to actively communicate the state government’s achievements to the public and stressed the need for regular organisational meetings to strengthen the Congress at every level.
Chief Minister Sukhu also appealed to workers to reinforce the party’s grassroots presence and announced that he would personally participate in Block Congress Committee meetings across the state over the next six months.
The Chief Minister further revealed that preparations were underway to organise rallies featuring senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in different parts of Himachal Pradesh during the next three months.
Expressing confidence in the government’s performance, Sukhu said the Congress had fulfilled its promises to the people and remained optimistic about returning to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
