Dharamshala/Shimla: Kamlesh Thakur’s recent victory in the by-elections from Dehra, running on a Congress ticket, has brought this constituency into limelight. Her win, which secured a significant margin, has set the stage for grand Independence Day celebrations in Dehra on August 15. Following her election, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, her husband, has made several key announcements for the constituency, signaling the importance of this region in the state’s political landscape now.
Preparations are in full swing at both the district and state levels, with Dehra set to host the Independence Day festivities. The event is expected to mark further developments for the constituency, with officials working diligently to ensure the function is a success. The responsibility for organizing the event falls on Deputy Commissioner Kangra, Hemraj Bhairwa (IAS), who will be the key figure overseeing the arrangements. Traditionally, Dharamshala has been the focal point for such events, but this year, all eyes will be on Dehra.
While details of the celebrations remain undisclosed, the frequent high-level meetings at the district headquarters suggest that Chief Minister Sukhu may use the occasion to make significant announcements for Dehra, further bolstering the constituency’s profile.
Sukhu to Break the Notion ‘Dehra Koi Nahi Tera’
In the past, former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh famously remarked, “Dehra koi nahi tera” (Dehra belongs to no one) at a public meeting in Jawalamukhi, reflecting the Congress party’s struggles in the constituency. The party had faced challenges in securing votes here, leading to a decline in its influence. However, the tide has turned with Kamlesh Thakur’s victory, as she became the first Congress candidate in years to win the seat with a margin of 9,000 votes, signaling a revival of the party’s fortunes in Dehra.
Vidhwa Yog and the Lady Luck of Dehra
For years, locals in Dehra referred to the constituency as having a “Vidhwa Yog” (a widow’s fate), a local slang implying that the area consistently elected an MLA from the opposition. Dehra gained attention when Viplove Thakur represented it, but after losing ground, the Congress party struggled to regain its foothold. Now, with Kamlesh Thakur’s win, the narrative has changed, bringing renewed hope and pride to the party and its supporters in the region.
