Shimla: The entire cabinet of Himachal Pradesh, along with prominent leaders, has been summoned by the central leadership of the Congress party for discussions in New Delhi on Wednesday. This unprecedented gathering, which includes the chief minister and deputy chief minister, highlights the importance of the upcoming meeting.

While the primary focus is speculated to be on formulating strategies for the upcoming parliamentary elections, issues related to the state’s governance and party organization are also expected to be addressed in the meeting in the national capital. Reports suggest that the Congress party is particularly concerned about unfulfilled electoral assurances, vacant cabinet positions, and the potential decision on the state party president, especially if the current officeholder, Mandi MP Pratibha Singh, chooses to contest.

The crucial meeting at the AICC headquarters in Delhi will witness the participation of a broad spectrum of political figures from the state, including Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, former Union Minister Anand Sharma, and former presidents such as Viplove Thakur, Kuldeep Kumar, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, and Kaul Singh Thakur. Various cabinet members, influential individuals, and officeholders, including assembly speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, will also attend.

Expectations are high for discussions on critical issues concerning both the administration and the party, including unresolved cabinet vacancies, potential disaffection among certain legislators not considered for ministerial positions, and appointments to statutory boards and commissions. Major electoral pledges, such as financial aid to women in the 18-65 age group, free electricity up to 300 units, and the establishment of a substantial start-up fund, remain areas of concern, especially in light of the lack of demonstrable progress in fulfilling these commitments.

Rising Cases of JN.1 Subvariant: Health Ministry Reports 69 Infections

Haridwar Brick Kiln Tragedy: Six Workers Dead, Many Injured in Wall Collapse

S Jaishankar Weighs In: The Ongoing Discourse on Dual Citizenship