Political Buzz Intensifies in Himachal Ahead of Budget Session, Cabinet Expansion Likely

Shimla, Jan 29, 2026: Political activity has picked up pace in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly, with indications of major changes in the government. Sources suggest that a cabinet expansion along with appointments to boards and corporations may take place before the session, and deliberations are underway at both government and party levels.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Vinay Kumar were recently called to New Delhi after the Republic Day celebrations. Sukhu and Agnihotri met Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal in the presence of AICC in-charge Rajni Patil, while Vinay Kumar held a separate meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Discussions reportedly focused on cabinet expansion, political appointments and maintaining organisational balance.

Currently, one ministerial post in the state cabinet remains vacant. Names of Kangra MLA Sanjay Rattan, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail and senior Kullu MLA Sundar Thakur are being considered for the position. The post of Deputy Speaker of the Assembly is also vacant, with speculation that one of these leaders could be appointed to the role.

With the government having completed three years in office and less than two years remaining in its term, the coming period is being seen as politically crucial. Sources indicate that regional and caste balance will be key factors in cabinet expansion and appointments, and some reshuffling of ministerial portfolios may also be on the cards.

Organisational restructuring within the Congress party was also discussed in Delhi. While district presidents have been appointed, the formation of block committees and the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) is still pending. Party leadership reportedly wants the organisational setup to be completed before the upcoming panchayat elections.