Congress picks Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for Himachal Pradesh CM post: Report

New Delhi: The Congress high command on Saturday (December 10) approved the name of Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as CM of Himachal Pradesh, reported ANI. "His name will be announced by this evening after discussing it with other leaders," ANI quoted sources.

However talking to the reporters, Sukhu said he is not aware about high command's decision and is on his way to meeting. "I am not yet aware of the decision of the High Command. I am going to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting which will happen at 5 pm," Sukhu told ANI.

New Himachal CM likely to take oath on Sunday

As per PTI report, the new Himachal Pradesh chief minister is likely to take oath on Sunday (December 11), said the Congress sources.

Who is Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu?

Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is a former president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. Sukhu, known for his strong clout in the organisation, is a four-term legislator. If sources are to be believed, Sukhu is considered close to party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Sukhu, a lawyer by education, has emerged through the ranks from the Congress wing National Student Union of India (NSUI). He entered politics as an activist at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, led the NSUI state unit in the late 1980s. He has also serve as the president of the state Youth Congress in the 2000s.

Sukhu won the municipal election twice in Shimla. Later, he was made secretary of the state unit in 2008, eventually getting to the top of the state unit.