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Monday, Nov 29, 2004

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New PCC chief for Himachal Pradesh

By Kanwar Yogendra

SHIMLA, NOV. 28 . Ending all speculation, the AICC today appointed the State Industries Minister, Kuldip Kumar, as the new PCC chief of Himachal Pradesh. The former PCC chief, Vidya Stokes, after prolonged consultations with the High Command, had announced her resignation a few days ago.

Hectic activities were on since then in the State Congress and the factions led by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Power Minister Vidya Stokes were trying to install their candidates for the top party post in the State. Mr. Kumar, who represents Una (reserved) constituency, is considered close to the Chief Minister.

There was resentment in the people of lower areas of Himachal, especially the Kangra Lok Sabha constituency, as majority posts in the party and in government have been `cornered' by leaders from the upper areas of the State. The party suffered a defeat in the recently held Assembly by-election in Guler as three Ministers from the biggest Kangra district had been dropped during the compulsory down sizing exercise.

But now with Mr. Kumar vacating the Cabinet post, one of the dropped Ministers from Kangra is expected to be taken back in the Ministry. The party leadership has been challenged on this account by some senior Congressmen.

With Mr. Kumar's appointment as the new party President, the Virbhadra faction has got a shot in the arm and the Vidya Stokes faction is likely to be marginalized. Major changes in the party organisation set-up are expected soon, said a leader of the Stokes faction.

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New PCC chief for Himachal Pradesh