Virbhadra besides meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, will lobby afresh to stay as CLP leader. He, however, has made up his mind to ``sacrifice'' PCC president Sant Ram and is said to have proposed the name of Chander Kumar for the job.

Virbhadra's mission is a sequel of AICC general secretary, R.K. Dhawan's visit to Shimla after Virbhadra faxed his resignation to Congress president, pre-mpting all high command moves to axe him following Congress' defeat in the polls.

Though, Sonia Gandhi has not yet accepted Virbhadra's resignation awaiting reliable feed-back from the state, his loyalists have spurred up efforts for his continuaton. Even his detractors admit that Virbhadra Singh's resignation ``deflated'' their plans. ``For the time being, change is unlikely in CLP'', a senior Congress leader opined.

Amidst talk of impending desertions in the CLP in case Virbhadra continues, a major power game has begun within the PCC for the top post. There are many contenders in the Virbhadra Singh camp while the high command, at one stage had almost decided to appoint Anand Sharma, a former youth Congress president as new state party president. Another claimant is former PCC president Sat Mahajan. But Mahajan faces opposition from other Congressmen from Kangra belt. Viplove Thakur -- a former ministrer and daughter of veteran Congress leader and freedom fighter Sarla Sharma -- is also in the race. She is the lone woman leader from the area, and has won her seat by the highest margin among Congress MLAs.

Though, Virbhadra apparently favours Chander Kumar, former Speaker Kaul Singh Thakur is among other claimants from the Virbhadra camp. Thakur, considered close to the likes of P. A. Sangma, is understood to have tried to convince the high command that he would be the best choice to match Sukh Ram.

Barring Virbhadra Singh and his loyalists, a large number of Congressmen are in favour of opening a dialogue with Sukh Ram. In such a situation, either PCC president or CLP leader would hold talks with Sukh Ram.

Some Virbhadra supporters, like G.S. Bali, a newly elected MLA from Kangra, have proposed elevating Virbhadra as PCC president and replacing him with `man of his choice' as CLP head. However, there is little unanimity on this within the Virbhadra camp. Ironically, senior leaders like former CLP leader Vidya Stokes, who could be a likely choice for succeeding Virbhadra are keeping their cards close to their chest. Former chief minister Ram Lal Thakur, a potential threat to Virbhadra is also expected to visit Delhi and meet Central leaders and brief them on political fallouts of the polls.