The Newz Radar Network
The recent by-elections in Himachal Pradesh have delivered a harsh blow to four former Congress rebel MLAs who joined the BJP, exposing the challenging political landscape they now face within their new party.
Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul-Spiti, Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret and Devinder Bhutto from Kutlehar, all of whom switched allegiance to the BJP, were defeated, complicating their political future.
The byelections, which took place for six Assembly seats alongside the Lok Sabha elections, were a critical test for the BJP and its new members. Despite their hope and confidence in securing victories, the results were disappointing. The defeats not only thwarted their immediate political ambitions but also placed them in a difficult position within the BJP, raising questions about their standing and future prospects.
Rana, Thakur, and Bhutto had left the Congress and joined the BJP, expecting to ride on the wave of the party’s popularity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, their defeats have now subjected them to scrutiny and potential marginalisation within the party. The BJP, known for its disciplined and hierarchical structure, may not easily accommodate leaders who have recently crossed over, especially in light of electoral setbacks.
The next Assembly elections are over three years away and until then, the four leaders face an arduous political journey. They must contend with internal party dynamics, possible sabotage from within, and the challenge of regaining trust and support both within the BJP and among voters. Their immediate task will be to prove their loyalty and effectiveness as BJP members, amidst speculation and doubts about their recent political shift.
BJP’s state president Rajiv Bindal acknowledged the need to analyse the by-election results and understand the reasons behind the defeats. “We will certainly reflect on the outcomes and strategise accordingly. The commitment to addressing state issues remains steadfast,” he said. However, the underlying message was clear: the turncoats must work harder to secure their place in the party.
Rana expressed gratitude to his supporters and vowed to overcome future challenges. “I am emotionally attached to the people of Sujanpur and will continue to fight strongly,” he stated. Thakur pointed to internal sabotage as a possible factor in his defeat but pledged to work tirelessly to strengthen the party. Bhutto emphasised his dedication to BJP’s policies and expressed his willingness to continue as a committed party worker, leaving the decision of future candidature to the party leadership.
