4 parliamentary, 6 assembly segments going for polls
As the political temperature rises in Himachal Pradesh, all eyes are set on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections for four crucial seats and the concurrent by-elections to six assembly constituencies scheduled for June 1. The state, known for its picturesque landscapes, is witnessing a tumultuous political scenario following the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs, setting the stage for a gripping electoral battle.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), while announcing the poll scheulde for 2024 general elections on Saturday, confirmed that polling for the four parliamentary seats in Shimla, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra will take place on June 1, with results slated for announcement on June 4. Simultaneously, by-elections for the six assembly seats, including Dharamshala, Lahaul-Spiti, Sujanpur, Badsar, Gagret, and Kutlehar, will be held, adding a layer of complexity to the electoral landscape.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), wasting no time, has initiated its campaign by announcing candidates for two parliamentary seats. Anurag Thakur, a seasoned four-time MP and Minister of Youth Affairs and Information and Broadcasting, will contest from Hamirpur; while Suresh Kashyap, the incumbent MP from Shimla, seeks re-election. However, the candidates for the remaining two parliamentary seats are yet to be declared, keeping the political atmosphere charged with anticipation.
On the other hand, the Congress party, in a strategic move, has kept its contenders under wraps, intensifying the suspense surrounding the electoral battle.
Meanwhile, the by-elections were necessitated by the disqualification of six Congress MLAs — Sudhir Sharma, Rajendera Rana, Ravi Thakur, Devender Bhutto, Indira Datt Lakhanpal, and Chaitanaya Sharma — following allegations of cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
The disqualification of these six MLAs has significantly altered the political equation in Himachal Pradesh, with the ruling Congress party facing a formidable challenge to retain its stronghold. The by-elections pose a critical test for the Congress Government, especially after the dramatic turn of events during the Rajya Sabha elections, which saw the defeat of the party nominee Abhishek Manu Singhvi despite holding a clear majority in the assembly.
The problems for the ruling Congress escalated with the resignation of PWD Minister and former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s son Vikramaditya Singh, signaling internal discord within the party. Although his resignation was not accepted, his mother and state Congress chief, Pratibha Singh, criticized the functioning of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, highlighting underlying tensions within the party.
Himachal Pradesh is no stranger to political complexities, with its unique geographical and demographic challenges. The state has four parliamentary constituencies, with Mandi being the second-largest parliamentary area, encompassing tribal constituencies like Lahaul Spiti, Bharmour, and Pangi, as well as Rampur and Kinnaur.
Currently, the BJP holds three parliamentary seats, while Congress has one. In the 68-member assembly, Congress holds 34 seats, BJP 25, and three seats are held by independents. The disqualification of the six Congress MLAs had altered the equation, reducing Congress's actual strength in the assembly from 40 to 34.
The disqualified MLAs have challenged their disqualification in the apex court, with the next hearing scheduled for March 18. Their absence during the budget session led to their disqualification, reducing the effective strength of the House from 68 to 62. As the legal battle unfolds, the political drama intensifies, with all eyes on the upcoming elections that will shape the future trajectory of Himachal Pradesh's governance.
The BJP, buoyed by its previous electoral successes in Himachal Pradesh, is eyeing a clean sweep once again. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured all four seats in the State, showcasing its dominance. However, the upcoming elections pose new challenges, particularly with a divided Congress struggling to regroup after the defections.
Key seats to watch out for include Hamirpur and Mandi. Hamirpur, traditionally a stronghold of the BJP, sees the party's stalwart Anurag Thakur seeking re-election. His long-standing presence in the constituency and his ministerial portfolio add weight to his candidacy. Mandi, on the other hand, presents a different narrative, with familial legacies and regional dynamics shaping the contest.
In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh currently represents the constituency, following in the footsteps of her husband late Virbhadra Singh — the five-time Chief Minister popularly known as Raja ji.
As the countdown to the elections begins, political parties gear up for intense campaigning, vying for the electorate's support. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the representation of Himachal Pradesh but also set the course for its political future, making it a crucial juncture in the state's democratic journey.
