S Gopal Puri
Kangra: Ajay Verma, Vice Chairman of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), is quietly reshaping his political profile by reaching out to the masses with initiatives that blend culture, community and service delivery. Known for his modest demeanor and political acumen, Verma is increasingly seen as a leader who prefers grassroots connect over grandstanding.
His latest move has revived Kangra’s 60-year-old Ramleela tradition, but with a progressive twist. For the first time, female characters will be portrayed by women rather than men impersonating them – a shift that has drawn appreciation across the constituency. The Ramleela festivities will also feature a local food festival at the Kangra municipal ground, creating both cultural vibrancy and economic opportunities for small vendors.
“This is not just entertainment, but a way to involve the community, especially women and youth, in preserving and modernising local traditions,” Verma said. Local participants echoed this sentiment, calling the change a moment of pride.
Verma’s efforts are being noticed not only within Congress but also across political lines. By involving even a few BJP faces in cultural events, he is seen as sending a message that people’s issues and traditions must remain above politics. Political observers say such outreach is also helping Congress regain lost ground in Kangra, a constituency where it has struggled in recent elections.
Beyond cultural initiatives, Verma has made it routine to hold daily public meetings at his office inside the Kangra bus stand. Delegations and individuals visit regularly with grievances ranging from transport to local development issues. Verma listens patiently, often attempting immediate solutions or forwarding matters to relevant authorities.
“He ensures every visitor feels heard. It’s a small but significant way of bridging the gap between people and governance,” said a local shopkeeper who frequents the office.
By blending cultural revival with direct engagement, Verma is building an image of accessibility and inclusiveness. Whether these moves translate into long-term political dividends remains to be seen, but for now, his initiatives are creating ripples on the ground.
This all was made possible with the collective efforts of the local committee members, who extended their wholehearted support to uplift the event. Among those who contributed were Rakesh Mehra, Ramesh Mahesi, Sadarsh Mahajan, Anuj Garg, Rakesh Kathuria, Mukesh Mehra, Devender Sharma, Ram Swaroop Verma, Shyam Verma, Kapil Dev Sharma, Nageshwar Mankotia, and Sandeep Ohri. Their combined dedication and teamwork played a significant role in organizing the event successfully and giving it a fresh cultural touch.
