Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, December 1
Vinay Kumar formally assumed charge as the new president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) at the party’s state headquarters, Rajiv Bhavan, setting the tone for the party’s push towards its “Mission Repeat” campaign for the 2027 assembly elections. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Congress in-charge for Himachal Rajni Patil, former HPCC chief Pratibha Singh and several party legislators and workers were present at the ceremony.
Soon after taking charge, he thanked the party leadership for the responsibility and said his immediate challenge would be to strengthen organisational structures from the district to the booth level. He added that he would work to ensure coordination between the government and the organisation, and focus on securing another term for the Congress in 2027.
Speaking at the event yesterday, he urged party workers to begin preparations for the next election cycle. “We must start working from today for Mission Repeat,” he said.
Chief Minister Sukhu described Kumar as a three-time MLA and a leader deeply connected with the Congress ideology. He said the new appointment followed extensive consultations led by Rajni Patil and senior state leaders. Kumar’s elevation, he added, would strengthen the party, particularly as he comes from the Dalit community.
“With the blessings of seniors and the energy of the youth, we will move forward,” Sukhu said.
Congress in-charge Rajni Patil congratulated Kumar and said the party would soon appoint district presidents under the ongoing organisational restructuring exercise. “Every section of the organisation will be represented. Vinay Kumar will take the party forward with strength,” she said.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said Kumar’s appointment marked “the beginning of a new phase” for the state unit. Recalling that Kumar represents the Renuka constituency — a seat that once produced the state’s first Chief Minister — Agnihotri said the leadership selection had infused “fresh enthusiasm” among party workers.
Former HPCC president Pratibha Singh also extended her wishes, emphasising that strengthening the organisation would be key to electoral success. She said delays in restructuring were due to the party high command, not the state leadership, and that she would soon discuss pending organisational matters with Patil.
Singh expressed hope that Kumar would ensure better coordination between the government and the party organisation.
