Congress High Command Approves The Name Of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu As Next CM Of Himachal: Sources

The Congress high command has approved the appointment of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as Chief Minister. After meeting with other leaders, his name will be announced by this evening, as per sources.

Congress Leader Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu

Source : PTI

The Congress high command on Saturday approved the name of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. His name will be announced by the party formally by the evening, news agency ANI reported citing some sources. 

Congress high command approves the name of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as CM of Himachal Pradesh. His name will be announced by this evening after discussing it with other leaders: Sources pic.twitter.com/9tdYCVGg5c

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2022

When asked about the announcement, Congress leader Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said, "I am not yet aware of the High Command's decision.  I am going to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting which will happen at 5 pm," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

Himachal Pradesh | I am not yet aware of the decision of the High Command. I am going to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting which will happen at 5 pm: Congress leader Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu pic.twitter.com/ZYC3reOGZ1

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2022

Sources close to the party told the news agency PTI that the new chief minister is likely to take the oath on Sunday. 

New Himachal Pradesh chief minister likely to take oath on Sunday: Congress sources

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 10, 2022

Supporters of state Congress president Pratibha Singh were reported raising slogans in Shimla amid speculation that the high command has approved the name Sukku as the new chief minister, according to a video posted by ANI.

#WATCH | Supporters of Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Virbhadra Singh raise slogans in Shimla pic.twitter.com/zfeh5vODwp

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2022

The decision came a day after newly elected Congress MLAs endorsed a resolution authorising the Congress high leadership to choose the legislature party's next leader. According to sources, Vikramaditya Singh, son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, will be given significant responsibilities in the cabinet.

They said that Sukhu's name was chosen after discussions with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who spoke with members of the Gandhi family. Himachal Pradesh's assembly elections were won by the Congress party, which won 40 seats. The BJP received 25 seats.

Sukhu is a Nadaun MLA who has held many organisational positions in the hill state.

(With Inputs From Agencies)