After Congress, it’s now BJP’s turn in Himachal to face rebellion if party stalwarts ignored for bypoll ticket
Former Ministers Ramlal Markanda, Virendra Kanwar adamant on defending their seats
TNR Desk
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have opened its doors to six Congress rebels and three independent MLAs, the move is expected to face opposition from within the party ranks. With the byelections scheduled for June 1 and political equations shifting, the BJP faces the daunting task of managing multiple fronts simultaneously.
The decision to accommodate the Congress rebels and the independents into the BJP fold has raised eyebrows among party stalwarts, who fear potential ramifications on various fronts. Allocating tickets amidst this realignment poses a significant challenge, with the need to assuage disgruntled sentiments within the party and among the electorate.
Sources said the BJP high command might have devised a strategy to assimilate the newcomers while addressing concerns about future political dynamics. However, the specifics regarding ticket distribution remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation and apprehension. The by-elections present a formidable challenge for the BJP, with anticipated backlash across all nine constituencies. Discontent is expected to rise, and there’s a looming threat of betrayal within party ranks.
Several prominent figures within the BJP, including former ministers Ramlal Markanda and Virendra Kanwar, are likely contenders for tickets in various constituencies. However, the influx of Congress rebels and independents have complicated matters for the BJP, intensifying political rivalries and internal dissent.
The battleground for the upcoming by-elections centres around six Assembly seats within the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, under the influence of Union Minister Anurag Thakur. The decision regarding the rebels has particularly rattled factions aligned with former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, adding strain to existing political dynamics.
Moreover, tensions between Rajendra Rana and Prem Kumar Dhumal further complicate the situation, necessitating efforts to reconcile differences within the party ranks. Amidst these challenges, the BJP’s immediate focus appears to be activating the new entrants and reinforcing party unity.
Reacting to the developments, Markanda expressed optimism about securing the BJP ticket while acknowledging alternative options in the event of exclusion. Similarly, Kanwar emphasised trust in the BJP high command’s decision-making process, urging patience among party members. The BJP’s strategic manoeuvering to accommodate rebel MLAs underscores the intricate web of political dynamics at play.
