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