Clouds of crisis hover over the Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh. Following the disqualification of six legislators who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections, Congress appeared to be gaining numerical advantage until four MLAs, including former CM Virbhadra Singh’s son Vikramaditya, abstained from CM Sukhu’s breakfast gathering. This absence shifted the precarious balance of Sukhu's government support, prompting discussions about the political climate surrounding Sukhu's ascent to leadership after the 2022 elections.
In the 2022 elections, Congress entered the fray as the opposition party, challenging the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without longtime leader Virbhadra Singh. While the BJP boasted promises to change the usual course of governmental transition, Congress leaders such as the state President Pratibha Singh, the leader of the opposition Mukesh Agnihotri, and campaign chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu collectively navigated the campaign. Priyanka Gandhi also strategically camped in Shimla, endorsing Sukhu’s leadership.
The electoral outcome granted Congress a sound mandate with 40 seats in the 68-member Himachal Assembly, leaving BJP behind with 25 seats, and a mix of independents and others occupying the remaining spots. Despite Congress's full-fledged majority, selecting the right persona for the Chief Minister's office posed the real dilemma. What were the circumstances within the Congress party back then?
Situations in Congress following the 2022 electoral victory
Credit for the Congress victory was attributed to leaders like Pratibha Singh, Mukesh Agnihotri, and Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who diligently managed the campaign alongside Priyanka Gandhi. Discussions in Shimla and Delhi revolved around the leadership direction post-Virbhadra Singh. Who would helm the government?
Source: aajtak
Considered an heir to Virbhadra Singh's political legacy, MP Pratibha Singh was perceived as a strong contender for the CM role. Discussions also surrounded Vikramaditya Singh, a fresh elect in the assembly. The central question lay whether the CM would emerge from Virbhadra Singh’s lineage or a new face would be chosen.
The Equations That Won Sukhu the CM Race
The selection of the new Chief Minister sent observers to Shimla to consult with legislators on their preferences. Many were reported to support Sukhu. After about 48 hours of intense deliberation, Congress declared Sukhu as the CM. Although Pratibha Singh had the advantage of influential family ties, her lack of assembly membership emerged as a barrier to the CM office. She hadn't contested the assembly election but was a parliamentarian from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, where Congress had shown weak performance. Embracing two by-elections became inevitable if Pratibha Singh was appointed as CM.
The question of experience obstructed Vikramaditya's potential leadership. Now, the final contenders were Mukesh Agnihotri and Sukhu, with the latter having stronger legislative support. Sukhu's decisive and daring image, bolstered by his collaboration with Priyanka Gandhi during the campaign, brought him close to the party's high command. This earned him the role of CM while Agnihotri was appointed as the Deputy CM to balance power.
The Current Political Equation Working Against Sukhu
The foundation for today’s challenges was laid when Sukhu was declared CM. The longstanding rivalry between Sukhu and Virbhadra Singh was no secret. Back in 2017, when Singh was CM and Sukhu led the state Congress, Sukhu often stood in opposition. Post the 2017 election defeat, Sukhu had accused Singh of monopolizing the ticket distribution process, which he claimed led to the party's loss.
With Sukhu’s announcement as CM, speculation emerged about the future cooperation of Pratibha Singh's faction, who had previously sought Sukhu’s removal as the party president. Current dissatisfactions among legislators might stem from ambitions or other reasons. Today, both Pratibha Singh and Vikramaditya Singh accuses the Sukhu government of dishonoring Virbhadra Singh’s legacy, leading to a consolidating stand-off against the government.
