Winnability to be criterion for selecting candidates for Lok Sabha elections as Himachal Congress holds crucial meeting
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The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: In a strategic departure from traditional election approaches, the Congress in Himachal Pradesh has decided that winnability, rather than reputation of big leaders, would be the criterion for fielding candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
During a crucial meeting held at Rajiv Bhawan in Shimla on Tuesday, district-block presidents and officials gauged the sentiments to finalise candidates for the four parliamentary constituencies in the state. The meeting stressed the creation of a potential candidate panel while maintaining regional and caste balance.
The decisions of the high command will play a pivotal role in selecting the candidates, and the party conveyed a unified message of ensuring victory for Congress candidates. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared that the Congress was determined to raise the victory flag on all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh this time.
Party leaders spoke unanimously, advocating for a shift from fielding big names to considering candidates with the potential to secure victories. The Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee would consider the dynamics of each parliamentary seat, avoiding repetition of old faces. The leaders emphasised the presence of hardworking and active leaders within the party who should be given an opportunity this time. A call was made for public consultations and surveys by an independent agency to complete the candidate selection process.
State Congress President Pratibha Singh stressed the urgency of promptly deciding on candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. She accused the BJP of resorting to lies and misinformation in the public domain, particularly regarding the lack of central government assistance during natural disasters. She asserted that Congress will contest the Lok Sabha elections with unity and appealed to the Chief Minister to give due respect to the hardworking workers of the organisation in the government.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri pledged victory over the BJP on all four seats, stating, “We swear on Lord Ram.” A meeting was conducted to enhance coordination between the government and the organisation, emphasising the explanation of the Congress government’s one-year achievements among the public. The government is set to dive into the election campaign from Wednesday, with ministers addressing five rounds in each Assembly to ensure comprehensive coverage.
