Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said his Cabinet expansion is likely to happen soon. He said the government is waiting for approval from the Congress central leadership. Sukhu also criticised the BJP over the delay in forming the newly elected Zila Parishad bodies.
Speaking to reporters in Shimla, Sukhu said the state government was waiting for the Congress high command to give its approval for the Cabinet expansion.
Sukhu said the expansion is expected shortly once the central leadership gives the go-ahead.
His statement comes amid ongoing speculation about filling the vacant post in the Himachal Pradesh Council of Ministers.
On the BJP's criticism over the delay in forming the new Zila Parishad bodies and electing their chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, Sukhu said the issue is currently before the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He maintained that his government was following the law and prescribed rules.
Sukhu said the BJP was making allegations even though the matter was before the court. He reiterated that the state government was proceeding according to the rules.
Defending the local body election process, the Chief Minister said Zila Parishad, Block Development Committee and Panchayat elections are different from Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
He said voters in local elections usually focus more on the individual candidate. Factors such as their connection with the community, accessibility and willingness to support people during difficult times often influence their choice.
Sukhu said people generally assess candidates in Zila Parishad, BDC and Panchayat elections based on how closely they work with the local community and whether they are available when people need help.
The Chief Minister also rejected allegations of political interference in the distribution of party tickets. He maintained that the Congress had not changed or shifted any candidate's ticket.
Sukhu further said voting in local elections often depends on local candidates and issues. He said broader political factors that influence Assembly and parliamentary elections may not have the same impact at the grassroots level.
The remarks come amid an ongoing political and legal dispute over the formation of the newly elected Zila Parishad bodies. The BJP has questioned the delay, while the state government has maintained that the issue will be handled according to the law and the proceedings before the High Court.
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