Himachal Pradesh BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday (December 12, 2024) to discuss developmental initiatives for the hill state.
A key focus of the meeting was the proposal to construct a new National Highway connecting Chamba, Tissa, Pangi, Kishtwar and Leh, which could significantly improve transportation and boost economic growth in these remote areas.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi extended warm birthday wishes to Mahajan and appreciated his efforts toward regional development. The proposal, if approved, is expected to pave the way for enhanced connectivity and open up new avenues for the socio-economic progress of the region.
Journey from Congress working president to BJP strategist
Harsh Mahajan began his political career with the Congress where he was a prominent figure for decades. As the son of Des Raj Mahajan, a former Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, he was groomed in the political culture of the Congress from a young age.
Mahajan served as the president of the Himachal Pradesh Youth Congress in the 1980s. He also held ministerial positions in the Himachal Pradesh government under the chief ministership of late Virbhadra Singh, including roles in irrigation, power and education.
Known for his administrative acumen and ability to navigate complex political situations, he was a trusted aide of six-term Chief Minister Virbhadra.
Won Rajya Sabha seat despite Congress majority
Despite his long-standing association with the Congress, Mahajan orchestrated a significant political shift in 2022. He resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP in the run-up to the Assembly elections. His departure was seen as a calculated coup, weakening the Congress in Himachal Pradesh. Mahajan’s defection influenced several key leaders to follow suit, destabilising the party ahead of state elections.
In February 2024, Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha election for the lone seat from Himachal Pradesh. His victory was seen as a coup of sorts as the BJP won despite the Congress having a clear majority of 40 MLAs in the 68-member House.
Six Congress MLAs who were unhappy with the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government cross-voted in Mahajan’s favour. All the MLAs were subsequently suspended from the Congress and they joined the BJP.
