Ajay Khatta unanimously chosen Dehra BJP president, 2 prominent Kangra leaders skip election

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DHARAMSHALA: Ajay Khatta has been unanimously elected as the new district president of the BJP’s Dehra organisational district.
Elections for the post were conducted at the party headquarters on Sunday (January 5, 2025) under the supervision of BJP MLA and election observer Randhir Sharma. Khatta, who previously served as the Jwalamukhi Mandal president, brings extensive organisational experience to his new role.
The election process commenced at 10 am, with senior party leaders and workers participating. Notable attendees included Jaswan-Pragpur MLA and former minister Bikram Singh Thakur, former minister Ravinder Singh Ravi and former district president Sanjeev Sharma, among others.
The results were announced at 12 pm by Randhir Sharma, who declared Ajay Khatta as the unanimous choice for the position.

Not invited, alleges Ramesh Dhawala

Khatta’s appointment is being hailed as a significant responsibility and honour for the Jwalamukhi region. Expressing gratitude towards the party leadership and workers, Khatta pledged to strengthen the organisation and propagate the party’s ideology across all levels.
However, the election process also revealed underlying factionalism within the party. Former MLA Hoshiar Singh and his supporters were absent, reportedly distancing themselves from the event.
Sources suggest Singh chose to stay away from the process. Additionally, former minister Ramesh Dhawala’s absence stirred discussions. Dhawala alleged he was not invited to the event and expressed concerns about being sidelined in organisational decisions.

Importance of election

This election holds strategic significance for the BJP, particularly in the Dehra Assembly constituency where the party lost to Congress MLA Kamlesh Thakur, wife of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in the recent Assembly bypoll.
Elections for the Dhaliaara and Haripur mandals were previously postponed to prioritise the selection of the district president. Khatta’s appointment has injected new energy among party workers, with many viewing it as a step towards organisational revival in the region.

Leadership backed by experience

Randhir Sharma praised Khatta’s leadership and experience, emphasising that his capabilities would strengthen the party’s organisational structure.
Following the announcement, workers celebrated by distributing sweets and expressing their enthusiasm for upcoming programs and strategies under Khatta’s leadership.
While the election process was described as transparent and disciplined by Sharma, the absence of key leaders highlights the challenges of uniting various factions within the party.
Khatta’s leadership will be tested as he works to bring cohesion and strengthen the BJP in Dehra.

Sunil Chadda

Sunil Chadda

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