Delay in including Kullu MLA Surinder Singh Thakur in cabinet sparks severe anger among Congress workers

According to a report by The Hindu, severe resentment is prevailing among Congress workers in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, due to the delay in including Kullu assembly constituency MLA Surinder Singh Thakur in the state cabinet. More than 200 Congress workers from block and mandal-level units have expressed their anger over this matter and have threatened that many workers will submit mass resignations if their demand is not fulfilled.

A meeting was organized at the Circuit House on Wednesday (November 12, 2026) regarding this dissatisfaction. According to sources, MLA Surinder Singh Thakur himself was also present at this meeting. During the meeting, workers openly expressed their displeasure over the long-standing delay and also held serious discussions regarding the possibilities of submitting mass resignations in the coming time.

Earlier on January 8, 2023, Mr Thakur was one of the six MLAs appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries prior to the cabinet expansion. However, on November 13, 2024, the High Court quashed the appointments of these Chief Parliamentary Secretaries. Following this, he emerged as the foremost contender for the single vacant position in the cabinet.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had previously indicated on several occasions that Mr Thakur would definitely be included in the cabinet. Despite this, a recent remark by the Chief Minister that the Kullu MLA would become a minister only when his stars favor him has deeply angered a section of party workers.

Regarding this matter, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Sukhu during a rally held at Ani in Kullu district. Taking a dig, he advised Mr Thakur that if obtaining the ministerial post compromises his dignity or self-respect, he should not accept the post.

Amidst this entire controversy, a poster of Mr Thakur has also gone viral on social media. The message written in this viral poster states that I can do anything for self-respect and for the development of Kullu.

The Sukhu government will complete four years of its rule on December 11, 2026, while the next assembly elections in the state are expected to be held in November 2027.

According to a Wikipedia report, Surinder Singh Thakur is a well-known Congress party MLA from the Kullu constituency of Himachal Pradesh, who has played an active role in the party organization and state politics and is a prominent leader who has previously served in various posts.