Discontent brews among Congress workers over delay in Cabinet berth for Kullu MLA

In the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, party activists have raised concerns that the promised cabinet promotion for Kullu legislator Sunder Singh Thakur has not materialised. Thakur, who was appointed as one of six chief parliamentary secretaries ahead of the cabinet expansion on 8 January 2023, has been waiting for a formal ministerial portfolio for several months. Local party members argue that the delay undermines the morale of grassroots workers who supported his candidacy during the last election.

The appointment of chief parliamentary secretaries is typically a stepping stone toward full cabinet inclusion, allowing legislators to gain experience in government affairs. However, the state leadership has not announced a timeline for converting Thakur's role into a ministerial one, leading to speculation about internal power dynamics within the Himachal Pradesh Congress. Critics point to the need for regional representation in the cabinet, especially from the Kullu district, which has been a stronghold for the party.

The situation arrives at a sensitive moment as the Congress prepares for upcoming state and national elections. Delays in rewarding loyal legislators could affect the party's ability to mobilise support in key constituencies. Observers suggest that the leadership may be weighing multiple factors, including coalition negotiations and the balance of seniority, before finalising the cabinet list. The outcome will likely influence the party's internal cohesion and its electoral prospects in the region.