Himachal Pradesh BJP has reposed its faith on its sitting MPs, barring one seat, and instead of sending a panel of names, party is likely to send single names to the central leadership.
The BJP had earlier announced that it would declare its candidate for the 2014 lok Sabha polls by December end and the panel of names for each of the four parliamentary seats will be sent to central leadership for final call.
State BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti said that since candidates in three of the parliamentary constituencies are clear and there lies no confusion over the names, party had decided to repeat its candidates on three seats which are Shimla, Mandi and Hamirpur.
On the question of Kangra, where party will not repeat its sitting MP Rajan Sushant due to his anti-party activities, Satti said party workers and senior leaders wish that party veteran Shanta Kumar contest the upcoming polls.
“Since Shanta Kumar, had already announced his retirement from electoral politics, decision on his candidature rests with the central leadership and they will have to
persuade him for the same or else new candidate will be fielded from the Kangra seat,” added Satti.
BJP is facing tough battle at Kangra and Hamirpur seats which has been largely been party’s stronghold as ruling Congress has put all its focus to win back all the three seats currently held by opposition.
Currently Shimla, Hamirpur and Kangra seats are held by BJP, while Mandi
parliamentary seat is being represented by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s
wife and Congress MP Pratibha Singh.
Eyeing 2014-polls, ruling Congress has decided to hold a gala function at Hamirpur, a seat which has eluded Congress for past 16 years. Chief minister Virbhadra Singh has decided to hold a gala function at Hamirpur to celebrate successful one year in office on December 25.