Congress fields Himachal CM Sukhu’s wife for Dehra byelection, know her connection to constituency

The Congress has fielded Kamlesh Thakur, the wife of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, as the candidate for the July 10 byelection in the Dehra Assembly constituency.

Sources said the decision was aimed at boosting the party’s prospects in the region and test Chief Minister Sukhu’s influence in an area that has eluded the Congress for the past 25 years. Dehra, part of the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency under the Chief Minister’s home turf, falls within Kangra district. Originally formed after re-demarcation in 2012, the constituency was carved out of parts of the erstwhile Jawalamukhi Assembly seat. Despite several attempts, the Congress has not secured victory here.

Independent MLA Hoshyar Singh has won consecutively in 2017 and 2022 from here. He had recently resigned from the seat to join the BJP, which has nominated him on the party ticket.

Rationale behind Kamlesh Thakur’s candidacy
Kamlesh Thakur’s candidacy is reportedly supported by three internal surveys conducted by the Congress. Her selection is motivated by her familial ties to Dehra, where her maternal roots are deeply embedded.

Additionally, the Congress high command seeks to leverage the success of fielding women candidates, as seen in Lahaul-Spiti’s recent byelection, and appeal to voters through initiatives such as the promise of a guaranteed monthly income of Rs 1,500.

Historical challenges and factionalism
The Congress has faced enduring challenges in Dehra due to internal factionalism and electoral setbacks. Previous attempts, including the 2022 defeat of Dr Rajesh Sharma and the dismal performance of former state president Viplov Thakur in 2017, underscore the need for a strategic shift in approach. In the 2012 Assembly elections, Congress candidate Rajendra Singh Rana also faced a setback, finishing third behind an independent candidate.

Way ahead and Chief Minister’s role
The move to nominate Kamlesh Thakur aims to break the BJP’s winning streak in Dehra and bolster the Congress’ electoral prospects. The high command has sought Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s approval in this pivotal decision, highlighting the party’s commitment to regaining ground in constituencies historically challenging for them.