Dehra: Himachal Pradesh, which is under a debt burden of around ₹1 lakh crore, seems to have forgotten the burning issues of revenue generation and providing jobs to unemployed youth, especially those awaiting recruitment under the JOA-IT category for years.
Then there is the pending ₹30 crore grant for the central university project in Dharamshala, the matter hanging fire for long.
There are several such issues, but everything in the state is current revolving around Dehra — the Assembly constituency that is due for bypoll on July 10, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s wife Kamlesh Thakur in the contest from the Congress.
The byelection seems to have turned Dehra into the epicentre of Himachal Pradesh’s politics, the entire state appearing to be revolving around the segment.
The entry of Chief Minister Sukhu’s wife into the election race has put Dehra at the forefront, overshadowing other regions. The election buzz has brought promises of improved water supply in Dehra and a new hospital in Dada Siba, with all political focus converging here.
The byelection has led to intense political activity, with BJP’s MP Anurag Thakur emphasising his contributions to Dehra, including the establishment of a central university.
The political posters in the region feature both Anurag and Sukhu, symbolising the fierce competition.
The Dehra and Nadaun constituencies have now become pivotal for the Hamirpur parliamentary region. The political energy in these areas is significant, enough to silence the opposition, with Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur grappling with the government’s power play.
State issues have been sidelined as the byelections take centre-stage. Moreover, the future of six Chief Parliamentary Secretaries is in question, and the BJP’s nine MLAs are facing scrutiny, intensifying the political battle.
The state’s political climate appears unstable amid all this. This situation raises concerns about the electorate, who look forward to a promising future with each election. Not just Dehra, but voters across Himachal hope that the byelections serve as both a lesson and encouragement.
Himachal’s voters want an end to the culture of division, with equitable attention to all regions. As Dehra enjoys the limelight, it’s crucial for the government to consider the entire state’s well-being.
It’s time to move beyond elections and focus on governance, ensuring that the remaining term is used effectively. This responsibility lies with both the ruling party and the opposition.
