Congress high command to decide on Pratibha Singh’s LS poll candidature: Rajeev Shukla

Six-member Himachal Pradesh Congresss Coordination Committee holds its first meeting in Chandigarh

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu with Congress leader Rajeev Shukla in Chandigarh on Wednesday. (Express Photo by Jasbir Malhi)

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh has left the decision on contesting the Lok Sabha polls to the party high command, the grand old party’s in-charge for the hill state, Rajeev Shukla, said on Wednesday.

Shukla added that such decisions will be taken by the party high command. “She has left it to the high command and said she will abide by its decision,” he said.

Shukla was talking to reporters after attending the Himachal Pradesh Congresss Coordination committee’s first meeting held at Himachal Bhawan, Chandigarh, on Wednesday.

The six-member committee was formed by the Congress to ensure better coordination between its Himachal Pradesh government and party organisation after the Rajya Sabha poll debacle earlier.

Mandi MP Pratibha Singh had recently said that she had decided not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as the situation on the ground was “not favourable” and the party workers were disheartened.

However, after attending the meeting, Pratibha told mesdiapersons, “I have conveyed my decision and reason to not contest the Lok Sabha polls to all leaders present at the meeting. Bypolls will also take place and I have to perform my duties for that too. The final decision about my candidature from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat will, however, be taken by the party high command.”

Sources added that the committee members urged Pratibha Singh to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Mandi from where BJP has fielded actor Kangana Ranaut. Upcoming byelections in the six vidhan sabha assemblies were also discussed.

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Himachal deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, who also attended the meeting, said that Pratibha should contest the Lok Sabha elections. “I personally believe that she should contest as she is the Congree state unit chief.” On the six Congress rebels joining the BJP, the deputy chief minister claimed that there would be rebellion in the saffron party now. He added that “there is no threat to our government”.

Pratibha, however, declined to comment on the ongoing row over the purported comment on Ranaut from the social media handle of Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate.

When asked about their poll prospects, Sukhu said, “We will win all 10 seats (in Himachal Pradesh) — four in the Lok Sabha and six in the Assembly bypolls.” The Congress government in the hill state is going strong and will complete its term, he asserted.

Asked if Singh will contest the Lok Sabha polls, Shukla said such decisions will be taken by the party high command. “She has left it to the high command and said she will abide by its decision,” the Congress leader said.

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Asked about some Congress leaders switching over to the BJP ahead of the general election, Shukla said such developments take place during polls.

The committee headed by Himachal Congress in-charge Rajeev Shukla also includes HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, HP Congress chief Pratibha Singh, deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil and former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur and Ram lal Thakur Ram Lal.

With PTI inputs

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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