BJP likely to field Anurag from Hamirpur, Kashyap Shimla, Trilok Kapoor Kangra; suspense on Mandi candidate
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The Newz Radar
MANDI: With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, the two main political parties in Himachal Pradesh, the BJP and the Congress, are currently facing a conundrum regarding the selection of candidates as both find their political equations disrupted by the recent developments.
With four parliamentary seats up for grabs, the competition is between the Congress and the BJP, devoid of any significant presence of alliances such as the NDA or India bloc. The political landscape in the state has undergone a transformation following cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha election. This upheaval has forced both parties to recalibrate their electoral strategies.
Boosting new leadership
For the BJP, Anurag Thakur emerges as a prominent figure with his candidacy seemingly set for the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat. His enduring presence in the constituency, coupled with his stature as a formidable minister in the central government and close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, underscores his significance.
Former ministers and prominent figures from the BJP are under consideration for other seats, albeit with a cautious approach following their defeat in the Assembly elections. The exclusion of some heavyweights from the candidate pool underscores the party’s strategy to boost junior leadership.
Sources said for Shimla seat, sitting MP Suresh Kashyap’s candidature appears confirmed as no other name was discussed other than him at the BJP core meeting in Delhi recently. However, uncertainties loom over BJP stronghold Kangra where it is learnt that sitting MP Kishen Kapoor may be ignored this time, prompting the party to explore alternatives and introduce fresh faces.
Former IAS officer in race too
Sources told TNR that four names had been put forward for discussion during the final meeting, among them Trilok Kapoor, Rajeev Bhardwaj, Rahul Pathania and an outstanding IAS officer who had gained huge appreciation during his tenure in Kangra as an administrative officer.
Among these four, Trilok Kapoor has suddenly emerged as the frontrunner, which has surprised many within the party as several senior BJP leaders had been ignored or kept as second option. Bhardwaj is a senior party leader associated strongly with the organisation while Pathania is a youth leader.
In Mandi, the BJP is again looking for a fresh face. The names of former state minister Govind Thakur, Ajay Rana and Bihari Lal have been put forward for discussion in Delhi. Govind, who lost the last Assembly election from Manali, is said to be the frontrunner, being senior among the trio. Otherwise also, sources told TNR that the BJP was trying to field a candidate from Kullu this time and Govind might emerge as the probable one.
