The byelections to the three Assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh, being conducted on July 10, are set to be a significant political event as the fate of three former independent MLAs, who are now contesting on the BJP ticket, will be determined. It’s a do or die battle for the trio.
The elections hold substantial weight not only for the political future of these candidates, but also for the reputation of both Congress and BJP veterans.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s wife Kamlesh Thakur is in the fray from Dehra and her potential victory is expected to bolster her husband’s position in the state politics. A victory for the Congress in Hamirpur and Nalagarh would further solidify Sukhu’s standing.
Conversely, a BJP victory in Hamirpur would be a significant triumph for Union Minister Anurag Thakur, silencing his critics.
Key political figures are closely tied to these elections, including opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur, BJP state president Dr Rajiv Bindal, Congress state president Pratibha Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
Despite the heated political tussle, the results of the byelections in Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh do not currently pose a threat to the government. However, they are expected to provide both parties with new grounds for political manoeuvring.
If the Congress sweeps all three seats, its strength will increase to 41 MLAs, while a complete victory for the BJP will bring its count to 30 MLAs from the current 27.
Chief Minister Sukhu has been particularly active in Dehra, where the high command has fielded his wife despite initial reluctance. Additionally, he has been tasked with securing a win for the BJP candidate in Hamirpur, a district crucial for Anurag Thakur, who faced a setback by not securing a place in the Union Cabinet this time.
A BJP win in Hamirpur would enable Anurag to counter critics questioning BJP candidate Rajinder Rana’s loss in Sujanpur, an area where Anurag typically enjoys strong support. Meanwhile, in Nalagarh, located in BJP state president Rajiv Bindal’s home parliamentary constituency, the responsibility falls heavily on Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.
For the Congress, success in these byelections would not only be a feather in the cap of CM Sukhu but also for Pratibha Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. Failure, however, would place them under scrutiny and accountability for the loss.
