Rahul’s man Sukhwinder Sukhu set to be Himachal CM, huge setback for Pratibha

Shimla:  In the fast turn of events, after Friday’s high drama and factionalism within the Congress, four-time MLA Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has emerged the winner for the Chief Minister’s post with the support of the Gandhi family.

The oath ceremony of the Chief Minister and new council of ministers will be held on Sunday which is likely to be attended by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi –who had favoured Sukhu ‘s name, insiders say.

A former PCC president, who had always maintained an anti-Virbhadra Singh stance, was chairman of the Congress campaign Committee, during the state assembly poll.

He belongs to a Rajput family in Hamirpur – the parliamentary constituency of union minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, and home district of former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal.

This is the second time when Hamirpur—a mid-hill district — will have a Chief Minister, after Prem Kumar Dhumal—who could not get his third term in 2017 because he lost his election.

Leader of opposition Mukesh Agnihotri, who was elected for the fifth term from Haroli in Una, has been named as Deputy Chief Minister.

Agnihotri –a Brahmin, was also a top contender for the Chief Minister’s post. He has been a journalist before turning to politics and remained as cabinet minister with Virbhadra Singh.

The announcement on their names was made by AICC incharge Rajeev Shukla later in the day.

Born in 1964- Sukhu holds a law degree to his credit and had risen from a rural family with humble background but always been a man sharpening his skills as an active political worker right from his student’s age.

The meeting of the newly elected MLAs was held at the state assembly complex after a two-day long high drama in the town as supporters of PCC Pratibha Singh virtually laid a siege to demand naming her as Chief Minister since she was the wife of legendary leader Virbhadra Singh, a six-time Chief Minister.

Today, Pratibha Singh had to fall in line when told that the high command had approved the name of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for the post as he enjoyed the support of majority MLAs, apart from three independents—all BJP rebels.

Two AICC observers—Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bupesh Baghel and former Haryana CM Bhupendra Singh Hooda , besides AICC incharge Sajeev Shukla were instrumental in reaching a consensus among the MLAs to name Sukhwinder Sukhu as the Chief Minister.

Yesterday Congress chief Pratibha Singh was heard asserting that high command can’t neglect her family—which carries the legacy of Virbhadra Singh.

“This election has been fought in his name. It is not possible that you use his (Virbhadra) name and face, and then neglect him after the results. This is something that the party high command will not do,” she had told the media at her residence on Friday.

But, as Sukhu played her game well managing support of majority MLAs, the party observers have no choice but to ask Agnihotri to accept the choice.

Agnihotri had claimed his seniority and role played, within and outside, the assembly as CLP leader to create a narrative against the BJP during the past five years. However, Agnihotri eventually lost out to Sukhu.

Immediately after his election Sukhu said he would “work whole-heartily for the people of the state and will run the government striking a perfect balance with his deputy and other cabinet members”.

Sukhu had served as NSUI president for nine years, state youth Congress Chief for 10 years and state PCC president for more than five years.It’s term as PCC chief Minister was eventful as he refused to toe the line of then Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh as enjoyed confidence of Rahul Gandhi .

Also read: Fierce factional fight breaks out in Congress for Himachal CM’s post