Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June
Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh on Saturday said she is ready to take on the party’s leadership once again if the high command entrusts her with the responsibility. Speaking in Shimla, Singh declared she would commit herself “body, mind, and wealth” to the role, should the Congress high command choose to reappoint her. “I have always fulfilled the responsibilities given to me with sincerity,” she said. “If given the opportunity again, I will dedicate myself to strengthening the party organisation.”
Her remarks came shortly after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also indicated he had “no objection” to her continuing as state Congress president.
The Congress leader was speaking to the media during a visit to a photo exhibition at the Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. When asked about the state of the party organisation, she said that the decision rests with the national leadership, but stressed the urgent need for structural reforms.
“The Congress is falling behind in Himachal due to the absence of a strong organisation,” Singh noted. “With panchayat elections coming up later this year, a clear announcement is needed soon. Party workers are concerned and looking to the high command for direction.”
Singh also spoke about the upcoming unveiling of a statue of her late husband and former Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, scheduled for 15 July at Shimla’s Ridge Ground. The event was originally planned for 23 June, his birth anniversary, but was postponed due to the unavailability of top Congress leaders.
She confirmed that party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi are now expected to attend the event. “Their presence will show the people of Himachal that the Congress values and honours its senior leaders,” she said. #PratibhaSingh #HimachalCongress
