In a tumultuous turn of events within the Himachal Pradesh Congress, Rajinder Rana, a senior party leader and MLA from Sujanpur, has ignited a wave of concern by subtly indicating a potential departure. Speculations abound that Rana might sever ties with Congress, exacerbating the crisis within the state unit.
Taking a definitive stand, Rajendra Rana has opted out of accepting any government post. In response to swirling rumours of a possible shift to the BJP, Rana clarified that he is not presently engaged with the BJP. Delving into the pivotal vote for the Rajya Sabha member in the Assembly, he enigmatically alluded to the distant date of the 27th, suggesting that decisions will unfold in due course.
The dissent within the Himachal Pradesh Congress surfaced prominently during the Block Congress Committee meeting in Patlandar on Sunday. Officials voiced their dissatisfaction over perceived neglect towards Sujanpur, prompting Rana to hint at imminent major decisions. During the meeting, he disclosed receiving calls and offers for a ministerial role, underscoring the cabinet’s thrice-expanded size. Raising the question of whether the people of Sujanpur are willing to accept mere leftovers, Rana firmly rejected joining the cabinet, emphasizing his profound respect for the people.
Seeking input from those present, Rana invoked the steadfast words of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, stressing the sanctity of commitments made in private. He criticized the current government, alleging that assurances made behind closed doors lacked concrete actions.
Expressing that his paramount goal is serving the people rather than obtaining ministerial positions, Rana conveyed his indifference to material possessions. Dismissing the need for opulent cars or mansions, he highlighted his commitment to the people of Sujanpur, assuring that significant decisions would be made with the community’s consent.
Adding to the party’s woes, the discontent is not isolated to Rana. Earlier, senior Congress leader Prakash Chaudhary from Mandi resigned from the Mandi district president post. Now, with Rajinder Rana expressing displeasure towards both the party and the state government, the challenges compound for the Himachal Pradesh Congress. Dharmashala MLA Sudhir Sharma has also voiced dissatisfaction with the state Congress government on multiple occasions. These internal rifts, especially in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections, pose a significant threat to the Congress, potentially impacting the party’s prospects.
As speculations swirl around Rajinder Rana’s next moves, the Himachal Pradesh Congress finds itself in a challenging period marked by internal discord and heightened uncertainties.
