Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, especially its constituencies Kangra and Shahpur, has long held strategic importance in Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape.
Dominated for years by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), these regions are now witnessing a subtle yet significant revival of the Congress, led by two first-generation politicians: Kewal Singh Pathania and Ajay Verma.
Despite Kangra’s political weight, the ruling Congress government has given limited representation to this region, leading to an evident vacuum.
While young and dynamic leaders like Bhawani Singh Pathania and Ashish Butail continue to wait for roles that reflect their potential, only a few leaders — notably Yadvinder Goma and RS Bali — have found space in the current administration after intervention from the party high command.
Kewal Singh Pathania: A voice from Shahpur
Kewal Singh Pathania, the sitting MLA from Shahpur, currently serves as the Chief Whip in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Known for his constant presence both in his constituency and at the state headquarters in Shimla, Pathania has emerged as a dependable figure in the party’s Kangra operations.
Recently, he drew wide praise for his quick response after the martyrdom of soldier Pawan Jaryal, a native of Shahpur. Demonstrating political sensitivity and grassroots connect, Pathania ensured Jaryal’s family was immediately connected with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, offering reassurance and state support at a deeply emotional moment for the region.
Ajay Verma: Building bridges for Congress on the ground
Ajay Verma, vice-chairman of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), has been carving out his own space within the Congress ranks. A grounded and accessible leader, Verma is known for blending administrative efficiency with public outreach.
During recent war-like tensions near the state’s borders, Verma personally inspected HRTC workshops and offices located in border-adjacent zones.
Acting swiftly, he arranged for buses to transport students stranded in Jammu back to their homes in Kangra and surrounding areas.
In a well-received move, he facilitated a video call between the students and the Chief Minister — a gesture that drew commendation in both vernacular press and across social media platforms.
Larger political equation in Kangra
Despite the proactive efforts of leaders like Pathania and Verma, the Congress still faces a representational imbalance in Kangra. Sitting MLAs like Bhawani Singh Pathania and Ashish Butail remain underutilised, raising questions among party workers about the broader strategic vision for the region.
Their inclusion in more prominent roles could add momentum to the Congress’ efforts to regain lost ground in this BJP-dominated belt.
Historically, Kangra has been held by BJP leader Pawan Kajal while Shahpur remained a BJP stronghold under Sarveen Choudhary, a former minister in the previous BJP-led state government.
For the Congress to challenge this entrenched dominance, continued grassroots efforts and strategic leadership inclusion will be critical.
Kewal Singh Pathania and Ajay Verma represent a new breed of Congress leaders — first-generation politicians without political legacies, working actively to build both party presence and their own credibility.
Their efforts are not only helping the Congress reconnect with the ground but are also laying the foundation for a potential turnaround in one of Himachal’s most politically sensitive districts.
As the Congress gears up for future political battles, the example set by Pathania and Verma could serve as a blueprint for rebuilding the party in other strongholds of the BJP.
S Gopal Puri
