Congress hasn’t registered Lok Sabha poll victory from here in decades
MANDI/HAMIRPUR: The Hamirpur parliamentary constituency in Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the most challenging seat for the Congress in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, presenting a significant challenge for both Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri as they aim to unseat four-term sitting BJP MP Anurag Thakur.
Hamirpur is not just any constituency as it is the home district of Chief Minister Sukhu. Una district, which falls within the same parliamentary boundaries, is the home turf of Deputy CM Agnihotri.
On the BJP front, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, son of former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, is vying for a fifth consecutive term. The stakes are further heightened with Bilaspur district, also part of this constituency, being the home ground of BJP national president JP Nadda.
The Congress has fielded Satpal Raizada, a former MLA from Una, to challenge Anurag. For CM Sukhu and Deputy CM Agnihotri, securing the victory for Raizada is crucial, but poses a significant challenge.
The political dynamics suggest a direct contest between Anurag and the combined efforts of the CM and the Deputy CM. Both Anurag and Sukhu are from Hamirpur, making it a personal battleground. The election results will reveal whether the electorate supports the regional leadership of Sukhu or reaffirms Anurag’s stature as a central leader.
In the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP suffered a humiliating defeat in Hamirpur. This time, the presence of the Chief Minister could provide a boost for the Congress. Political analysts note that voters often differentiate between Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, adding to the uncertainty of the outcome. Raizada is expected to put up a strong fight against Anurag in Hamirpur and Una districts.
Historically, Anurag has maintained a lead in Dehra and Jaswan Pragpur seats where the Congress has not won for many years, marking these as BJP strongholds. However, in Dharampur (Mandi), where the Congress currently has a sitting MLA, a competitive contest is anticipated.
Bilaspur district, represented by state minister Rajesh Dharmani, is another critical area. Dharmani will likely mobilise efforts to secure the lead for the Congress candidate. Simultaneously, BJP chief JP Nadda, being a significant national figure, will have his supporters striving for a substantial lead for Anurag in Bilaspur.
As the election day approaches, all eyes will be on Hamirpur, where the outcome could significantly impact both regional and national political landscapes.
