Rubber Stamp or Power Player? Congress Sees New Battle Brewing in Himachal Over State President’s Post

Shimla, May 20:
A fresh wave of political heat is gripping the Himachal Pradesh Congress as the race for the party’s state president intensifies. At the center of the stir is a pointed remark from Cabinet Minister and son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Vikramaditya Singh, which has set the stage for an internal power tussle.

In a sharp statement, Vikramaditya asserted, “The state Congress president shouldn’t be a rubber stamp. The role demands someone with influence in at least three or four districts.” His words were more than just an observation—they were a veiled critique of the current leadership and a signal of shifting ambitions within the party ranks.

This comment comes at a strategic moment: the term of current state president Pratibha Singh—Vikramaditya’s mother—ended in April, and speculation about leadership change has been swirling ever since.

The key question now: Is Vikramaditya eyeing the top party post himself? Or is this a subtle push for an extension for his mother? If influence across districts is the criterion, Vikramaditya stands out—his presence is notable in Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, and to some extent Kinnaur. Few other state Congress leaders currently command that level of cross-district reach.

However, the road ahead is not without its trade-offs. If Vikramaditya does make a serious bid for the post, he may have to relinquish his Cabinet role in the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government—a move that carries political risk, especially amid whispers that real decision-making in the cabinet is heavily centralized.

What makes the situation even more compelling is Vikramaditya’s blend of organizational experience and youth appeal. He could potentially lead a dynamic team of both seasoned and emerging Congress leaders. Still, many are wondering whether this is a calculated political move or simply a spontaneous remark with unintended consequences.

As the Congress in Himachal Pradesh navigates this brewing leadership drama, one question echoes across party circles:
“Is Vikramaditya the next state president?”