All the hindrances in the BJP over distribution of tickets are now over. The party has fielded former MlA Inder Chopra against the Congress’ Gurmukh Singh Hora, who is an old opponent.
The Congress, about a week ago, had given ticket to MlA Gurmukh Singh Hora from Dhamtari assembly constituency. He had started his public contact also. On the other hand, the BJP, in its first list, has not declared its candidate from Dhamtari, because of hindrances. Rumours were there in the area that the party would put its seal either on former MlA Inder Chopra or Prataprao Kridutt.
However, Kridutt seems to be not a strong candidate and workers were also not happy with the name of an officer coming to the fore.
According to informed sources, in order to regain its lost glory in Dhamtari, the BJP strategists would present a strong challenge before the Congress in the form of Chopra and this expectation has been proved true. Finally the BJP put its seal on the name of Chopra.Difference between then and now Now the fight between former MlA Inder Chopra and MlA Gurmukh Singh Hora would be held after 2003. In 2003, Hora was a new face for Dhamtari; whereas, Chopra fought it out by entering the field with a youthful vigour. After his defeat, Hora remained active in the area, the benefit of which he got in the 2008 election and he defeated BJP’s Vipin Sahu by 27,000 votes.
On the other hand, in the 2008 election, the BJP did not give ticket to Chopra due to opposition. The party had to pay for it and it lost the Dhamtari seat. So, this time the BJP did not make the same mistake. People of the area had given opportunity to both of them and well aware of their way of work.
Total population of Dhamtari Assembly constituency is 1.86 lakh. Out of the total, population of Sahu community is more with 19 per cent, whereas, tribal community has 13 per, Satnami community 11,
Sinha community 5, Muslim andChristian community 3 per cent each and Jain and Sindhi communities have 4 per cent each.
Except the BJP and the Congress, no strong third party in the field in Dhamtari. But the equation could be disturbed due to rebellion.
Hora is facing stiff opposition in the Congress, as one of the factions was unhappy with giving ticket to him. Former Youth Congress president Anand Pawar is said to be fighting the election as independent, which may hamper the prospect of the Congress.
On the other hand, because of opposition the BJP had not declared the candidate for Dhamtari in the first list.
Now, after declaration of the candidate, if there any rebellion, the equation of the party could be disturbed.