HP Cong begins rejuvenation exercise

Mahajan had already finalised strategy for revival of the party and also bring it to power. “For this, cooperation of all top leaders and workers is required,” he admits. The PCC president said he already had two detailed meetings with AICC president Sonia Gandhi and assured that he would ensure that party got a united look.

The party president, in order to take advantage of the situation after massacre of 35 persons in Chamba got a committee set up from Sonia Gandhi and himself visited the spot despite advice of the local police agencies about security risks. Mahajan camped in the area and spoke to the villagers to give them assurance about protection of their lives. He had asked the state government to deploy at least three battalions of the para-military forces in the area.

Mahajan is working on two fronts. First he was trying to open a dialogue with former Union Communication Minister Sukh Ram to return to the Congress fold or support the Congress to form the government. Though Virbhadra Singh was totally opposed to the entry of Sukh Ram to the party or even taking his support till former minister gets absolved from the corruption charges but finds no harm in keeping a channel open with Sukh Ram. “Today, Sukh Ram may be an alliance partner of the BJP but tomorrow situation can change,” he feels.

Sukh Ram, on the other hand also had a condition. He wants Virbhadra Singh to be out of picture. His fight,in fact had been against Virbhadra Singh, whom he holds responsible for damaging him socially, politically and financially. “I have removed him from power and unless my goal of finishing him political is not achieved I will not relent”, he still maintains.

Mahajan and his like-minded Congress men share his (Mahajan’s) theory to win over Sukh Ram and were averse to the idea of losing the chance to form the government.

The PCC president on second front, is making serious effort to reorganise the party men and prepare them for launching some movements against the government. The issue of price rise and alleged deterioration of the law and order was already on the Congress’ agenda. The other issue included mass transfers, lack of development activities and “unstable” government as Sukh Ram’s support to BJP cannot be treated as “long-term” phenomenon.

With Mahajan in the filed, the ensuing developments in the Congress cannot be considered much favourable for Virbhadra Singh. The Congress had only 29 MLAs and for formation of the government, in case HVC topples Dhumal government, party would require Sukh Ram’s support. With Dhumal agreeing to HVC demand for ordering a CBI probe against Virbhadra Singh, the detractors of former Chief Minister would get a shot in their arm. There had already been a move to seek his replacement from the CLP.