Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) led by BJP MP and ex-CM Prem Kumar Dhumal's son Anurag Thakur who is also the president of BJYM, is leaving no stone unturned to woo the young voters of the State through cricket.
Thakur, who has played Ranji Trophy matches and is joint secretary of Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) is credited for promoting cricket in the hilly State through construction of Dharamshala international cricket stadium and other necessary infrastructure in the State.
Banking on his image, Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) the youth wing of BJP, whose national president is also Anurag Thakur, is conducting cricket tournaments across the State under the banner ‘Khelega Yuva-Judega Bharat’ to woo young voters. The tournament started on January 14, getting good response from youngsters especially in Kangra, Hamirpur, Una and Shimla district.
HPCA in Himachal Pradesh had been in the eye of storm with the State Government ordering a series of inquiries and cases were registered against cricket association officials, including Anurag Thakur and his younger brother Arun Dhumal.
Allegations of irregularities, conversion from society to company, encroachment of public land, tree felling and several others charges were leveled against senior Government and HPCA officials.
Despite all this, cricket seems to be the USP for BJYM and its office bearers with the game being used to promote BJP in the State. BJYM office-bearers say that controversies have infact made the people aware about all about HPCA and its contribution to cricket in the State.
“State unit of BJYM is organising cricket tournaments at district level and State level and after preliminary rounds inter-State contests will be held at the national level. Winner teams in the state will get chance to play at Dharamshala international cricket stadium,” said State BJYM president Sunil Thakur.
He said that every citizen of India between the age group of 18 to 35 years can participate in the cricket tournament. In Himachal Pradesh, nearly 48 per cent voters are below the age of 40 years. The party is targetting this section ahead of the lok Sabha polls.