Rajani Patil admits HP Congress rift; roadmap for 2027 polls set
AICC in-charge Rajani Patil admits internal differences in HP Congress and outlines a roadmap for the 2027 elections.
Shimla: All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh, Rajani Patil, has openly acknowledged the existence of internal differences within the party and between the organization and the state government. Speaking in Shimla on Saturday, Patil emphasized that the leadership is actively developing a strategic roadmap to strengthen party coordination and prepare for the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.
Addressing Internal Friction and Restructuring
Acknowledging that disagreements among leaders and workers are common in a large political organization, Patil stated that such issues must not be allowed to impede the party's performance as the next elections approach. She highlighted that a primary responsibility is to unify the party under a single vision and thought process.
Key points from Patil's briefing include:
- Organizational Reform: Following the vision shared by Rahul Gandhi, the party is working towards a comprehensive organizational restructuring.
- Disciplinary Action: The leadership is reviewing organizational functions and has warned that strict action will be taken against office-bearers who fail to fulfill their responsibilities.
- Grassroots Strengthening: Meetings have already been held with district-level leaders to reinforce the party's structure at the local level.
Cabinet Reshuffle and Government Coordination
Regarding the ongoing discussions about expanding or reshuffling the Himachal Pradesh Council of Ministers, Patil revealed that the Chief Minister has been requested to provide a formal report to the party leadership. However, she noted that this report has not yet been submitted.
She further stressed that the party is focused on establishing much-needed synergy between the Congress organization and the state government to ensure seamless governance and political unity.
Political Campaigns and Public Grievances
The Congress party is also preparing to take its grievances directly to the public. Patil reiterated the party's allegations regarding electoral irregularities, mentioning a planned "vote chori" campaign. This follows recent protests at the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Kasumpti, where party members demanded the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging a lack of independence within the Election Commission.
Additionally, Patil raised several critical issues currently facing the state:
- Examination Integrity: She criticized the repeated cancellation of exams due to paper leaks, noting the adverse impact on students preparing for competitive tests.
- Economic Concerns: The leader criticized Central government policies that she believes negatively affect Himachal Pradesh's vital tourism and apple sectors.
- Digital Economy: Concerns were also raised regarding the various charges associated with digital payments.
As the party intensifies its preparations for 2027, the focus remains on resolving internal disputes and building a cohesive platform before the election campaigns gain full momentum.