Internal Strife Erupts in Himachal Pradesh Congress Over New District President Appointment

The Himachal Pradesh Congress is currently facing a significant internal conflict following the appointment of Nigam Bhandari as the new district president for Kinnaur. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has publicly criticized this decision, claiming it undermines the party's ideology and expressing disappointment over not being consulted. His remarks highlight deeper organizational issues within the party, including allegations of 'sleeper cells' working against its interests. This situation not only reflects ongoing factionalism but also poses a political challenge for the ruling party as it navigates these internal divisions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 17:05 IST

Factional Discontent in Congress

Munish Sood
Mandi

Recent developments within the Himachal Pradesh Congress have highlighted ongoing factional disputes, particularly regarding the selection of a new district president in Kinnaur.

The Congress leadership appointed Nigam Bhandari as the head of the Kinnaur District Congress Committee, a move that has sparked significant backlash from Revenue Minister and Kinnaur MLA Jagat Singh Negi, who has openly criticized both the appointment and the process behind it.

Negi has voiced strong objections, asserting that his long-standing concerns are now being echoed by statements from leaders of the opposition party.

“I dedicated myself to the Congress when it was unpopular in Kinnaur. My father was instrumental in establishing the party here, yet now individuals who opposed our ideology are being given leadership roles,” he remarked.

He further stated that assigning organizational roles to those with a history of electoral defeats signifies a failure of the Congress ideology.

Negi expressed frustration over not being consulted prior to the decision, despite his position as a senior minister and elected representative from Kinnaur.

“If my input had been considered, this situation could have been avoided,” he warned, suggesting that such decisions could harm the party's standing in the region.

In a pointed critique of the party's internal dynamics, Negi claimed that 'sleeper cells' within the Congress are acting against its interests.

“These sleeper cells operate similarly to a B-Team for the BJP and could be detrimental to our party. The recent comments from BJP leaders only reinforce my concerns,” he stated.

Negi's comments are particularly noteworthy given his seniority within the Congress government, indicating a growing rift within the party.

He also criticized the BJP for its observance of 'Kala Diwas' to commemorate the Emergency, accusing the party of enforcing an 'undeclared Emergency' in the nation.

Negi alleged that central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are being weaponized against political adversaries, with many individuals imprisoned without substantial evidence.

He urged a historical perspective on the Emergency, arguing that the then democratically elected government faced destabilization attempts through unconstitutional means and that there were efforts to incite the military and paramilitary forces against it.

Additionally, he accused the BJP of distorting historical facts for political gain.

This controversy gains further significance as Nigam Bhandari, a former Youth Congress president, is known to have a longstanding rivalry with Jagat Singh Negi. With the Cabinet minister publicly challenging the party's organizational choices, this incident has once again spotlighted the internal divisions within the Himachal Pradesh Congress, presenting a significant political hurdle for the ruling party.