Kangra (S Gopal Puri)
The political landscape of Kangra constituency, a critical stronghold in Himachal Pradesh politics, is witnessing a dynamic turn. On Friday, Ex-MLA Surinder Choudhary (Kaku) and Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Chairman Nishu Mongra hosted back-to-back press conferences, igniting speculation about the Congress party’s internal dynamics and its strategy for revival. Kaku opted PWD rest house Kangra, while Mongra talked to media at his office of APMC.
Kaku, speaking at noon, highlighted two key victories—approval for a division of the Jal Shakti Vibhag and the installation of a sewerage system in specific villages. Calling these achievements milestones for local development, Kaku claimed they reflected his persistent advocacy for the region’s needs.
Mongra, addressing the media at 1:30 PM, focused on Congress’s vision for agriculture, asserting that the party was working tirelessly to support farmers and rural stakeholders. He presented plans to strengthen the agrarian economy, which forms the backbone of Kangra’s socio-economic fabric.
These press conferences, however, come against the backdrop of a video that went viral recently, showing Kaku and Mongra jostling for prominence during Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s recent visit to the constituency. While both leaders have denied any discord, the incident has fueled questions about the party’s ability to present a united front.
Chief Minister Sukhu’s visit to Kangra wasn’t just administrative but deeply political. His endorsement of Kaku, Mongra, and other senior Congress workers, including Ajay Verma and Nageshwar Mankotia, was a calculated move to placate various factions within the party. However, the effort to consolidate support in Kangra, a district that sends 15 MLAs to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, is fraught with challenges.
The region is currently represented by BJP MLA Pawan Kajal, a formidable opponent with strong grassroots connections. His defection from Congress to BJP in 2022 delivered a major blow to the party and underscores the high stakes involved in reclaiming Kangra.
As Congress leaders attempt to showcase achievements and project unity, internal rivalries and factionalism threaten to derail their efforts. With assembly elections on the horizon, the party must resolve these tensions and galvanize its cadre to challenge the BJP’s dominance.
The back-to-back press conferences by Kaku and Mongra may be a step towards reclaiming Kangra, but they also highlight the need for the Congress to balance individual ambitions with collective goals.
