#PM Modi Himachal Mandi Rally:

[typoeastnews]

Decode Politics: Why PM Modi is Talking About ‘Bandarbant’ in Himachal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sparked a political firestorm with his claims at rallies in Nahan and Mandi, accusing the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government of mismanaging flood relief funds. Modi’s assertion that the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu government distributed National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) money indiscriminately has led to heated exchanges between the BJP and Congress leaders.

PM Modi’s Allegations

At the rallies, PM Modi alleged, “The Centre sent hundreds of crores of rupees to the state government after last year’s disaster, but those funds were distributed indiscriminately. Mark my words, this government’s collapse is imminent. I promise you that I will account for every single paisa from them and put it in the hands of Mandi’s people.”

What Funds Was Modi Referring To?

The funds in question are part of the NDRF and SDRF, with Himachal Pradesh receiving a total of Rs 1,148 crore in relief (Rs 360.80 crore from SDRF and Rs 787.25 crore from NDRF) over 2023 and 2024. These funds are critical for immediate disaster response, with the SDRF being the primary resource for state governments and the NDRF supplementing it when disasters are particularly severe.

The Alleged ‘Bandarbant’ (Indiscriminate Distribution)

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, claims that the Himachal government distributed relief funds selectively, favoring Congress supporters and not following proper procedures. He argues that cash distributions were made manually by local leaders, which is against the rules that mandate bank transfers for amounts exceeding Rs 25,000. Additionally, Thakur alleges that the state government raised compensation amounts arbitrarily, such as increasing the amount for a completely damaged house from Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 7 lakh without proper procedures.

Himachal Pradesh Government’s Response

The state government has denied these allegations. A senior official from the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management stated that NDRF and SDRF funds are spent strictly according to Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines. Naresh Chauhan, the principal adviser (media) to CM Sukhu, dismissed Modi’s claims as baseless, accusing local BJP leaders of spreading misinformation rather than helping secure more funds from the Centre. He also refuted the claim that relief money was distributed in cash.

Congress’s Accusations Against the Centre

In response, Chief Minister Sukhu and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi have accused the Centre of neglecting Himachal Pradesh’s needs. After the severe floods in July-August 2023 that killed 441 people and damaged over 14,000 houses, the state government requested Rs 9,900 crore in disaster relief from the Centre, which has not been fully met. Despite launching its own relief fund and appealing for donations, the state received only Rs 360 crore under the SDRF from the Centre in December 2023.

Conclusion

The ongoing political tussle between the BJP and Congress over disaster relief funds in Himachal Pradesh highlights deeper issues of fund allocation, disaster management, and political accountability. As the state rebuilds from last year’s devastating floods, these accusations and counter-accusations are likely to shape the political landscape leading up to future elections.

[sequelscreen]

Today in Politics: Modi, Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi Ramp Up Campaigns

As the Lok Sabha elections approach their final phase, political heavyweights are making a strong push in key battlegrounds. Here’s a look at the latest developments in the campaign trail:

Modi and Kharge in Odisha

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will intensify their campaigns in Odisha. This comes just before the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha polls on June 1.

PM Modi will start his day with a rally in Mathurapur, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. He will then head to Odisha, where he will address public meetings in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Kendrapara. Meanwhile, Kharge will be holding rallies in Balasore and Bhadrak.

Voting will take place in six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 Assembly seats within these constituencies.

Rahul Gandhi in Punjab

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address rallies in Ludhiana and Patiala, Punjab. In Ludhiana, Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring faces tough competition from AAP MLA Ashok Parashar Pappi and BJP’s Ravneet Singh Bittu. Patiala sees another tight race with Congress’s Dharamvira Gandhi up against BJP’s Preenet Kaur and AAP’s Balbir Singh.

Priyanka Gandhi in Himachal Pradesh

AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will campaign in Himachal Pradesh, supporting party candidate Vikramaditya Singh in Mandi. The BJP has fielded Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut for this seat. Priyanka will also hold a rally in Kullu, part of the Mandi constituency.

Amit Shah in Uttar Pradesh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will continue his campaign in Uttar Pradesh, addressing rallies in Ballia, Deoria, Maharajganj, and Robertsganj. He will also hold a roadshow in Ghazipur. Key candidates include Neeraj Shekhar in Ballia, Shashank Mani Tripathi in Deoria, and sitting MP Pankaj Chaudhary in Maharajganj.

J P Nadda in Jharkhand and Bengal

BJP National President J P Nadda will campaign in Jharkhand, addressing rallies in Dumka and Godda. Dumka’s contest is notable with Sita Soren (BJP) against JMM’s Nalin Soren. In Godda, BJP’s Nishikant Dubey faces Congress’s Pradeep Yadav. Nadda will then head to West Bengal for a roadshow in South Kolkata.

Kejriwal in Chandigarh

Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal will support Congress nominee Manish Tewari with a roadshow in Chandigarh. The Congress-AAP alliance is contesting jointly in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Haryana as part of the Opposition INDIA bloc, although they are rivals in Punjab.

Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign reaches its climax and the nation prepares for the final phase of voting.

[buglecourier]

Today in Politics: Campaigning Heats Up for Phase 7

With the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections nearing its end, political leaders are gearing up for the final phase on June 1. Here’s a glimpse of the key campaign movements:

PM Modi’s Himachal and Punjab Campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off his campaign in Himachal Pradesh, followed by electioneering in Punjab. He will address public meetings in Shimla and Mandi in Himachal, and later hold rallies in Gurdaspur and Jalandhar in Punjab. The BJP has made strategic candidate changes in key constituencies for the upcoming polls.

Shah and Kharge in Jharkhand

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will campaign in Godda, Jharkhand. Shah will address public meetings in Arrah and Jharkhand, while Kharge will hold a press conference and public meeting in Deoghar.

Mayawati’s Rally in Punjab

BSP chief Mayawati will hold a rally in Nawanshahr, Punjab, targeting the significant Dalit population in the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency. The BSP is contesting all 13 seats in Punjab, aiming to secure a substantial vote share.

As the political landscape heats up, stay tuned for more updates on the Lok Sabha elections.

[news-trust-india]

PM Himachal Mandi Rally: बारिश ने रोकी मोदी की राह

PM Himachal Mandi Rally: बारिश ने रोकी मोदी की राह

मंडी। PM Himachal Mandi Rally पीएम नरेन्‍द्र मोदी के हिमाचल प्रदेश के मंडी दौरे के बीच बारिश ने खलल डाल दिया। पीएम मोदी का दौरा रद हो गया। पीएम मोदी वर्चुअली कार्यक्रम में जुड़े। पीएम मोदी ने कहा अस्थिर सरकारों से देश आगे नहीं बढ़ पाया। लेकिन अब देश में स्थिर सरकार है। उत्‍तर प्रदेश और उत्‍तराखंड की तरह हिमाचल की जनता ने भी प्रण ले लिया है। कार्यकर्ताओं ने बारिश से बचने के लिए कुर्सियां सिर पर…

[journalistrakeshrocky-blog]

ELECTION 2019/HIMACHAL

Voters walk terrains of Himachal politics

With BJP and Congress well-entrenched in state, there is hardly any scope for the emergence of a potential third front, reports Rakesh Rocky

By

Rakesh Rocky

-May 16, 2019

36

With rallies addressed by Prime Minister Narender Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi , the hilly state of Himachal is all set for the Lok Sabha polls, voting for which will be held in the last phase on May 19. Main contest is between ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress. BJP had won all the four seats in 2014 elections. Therefore, the polls are being seen as a big challenge for Jai Ram Thakur, young chief minister of the state to retain all the seats for his party, the BJP.

After many turns, the election has reached in the last phase of the electioneering. First, the BJP denied ticket to its stalwart 85-year-old former CM, Shanta Kumar. And then former union minister Sukh Ram quit BJP to join Congress along with his grandson Ashrey Sharma and also managed Congress ticket for him. Now Ashrey is contesting against one-time MP Ram Swaroop Sharma in Mandi, home district of CM Jai Ram Thakur.

This Lok Sabha elections have finally bid adieu to Shanta Kumar (85), who started his political career as a panch (panchayat member) in 1963 and was considered as one of the tallest leaders in Himachal Pradesh politics. The BJP has denied ticket to Shanta Kumar in Kangra and has fielded his close associate Kishan Kapoor, a Gaddi leader and a minister in the state BJP government.

The BJP has made two changes this time and also fielded new face in Shimla reserve constituency. However, the biggest news is farewell of Shanta Kumar who ruled this hilly state twice as chief minister and was elected five times to the Parliament, which included his four time stint as member of Lok Sabha. Supporters of Shanta Kumar claim that their leader may be sent to Rajya Sabha after Lok Sabha elections. However, it seems that the electoral career of Shanta Kumar has ended.

The party has retained three time MP Anurag Thakur, its young face, from Hamirpur and Ram Swaroop Sharma, one-time MP from Mandi and has fielded Kishan Kapoor — a Gaddi leader — from Kangra which currently is represented by Shanta Kumar. Kapoor is considered to be a loyalist of Shanta Kumar.

Shanta Kumar had earned strong criticism when as CM he gave ordered firing on agitating apple farmers in Shimla district after which BJP was reduced to eight seats in the 68-member state assembly. He is also unlucky that BJP governments in his both terms as chief minister could not complete full five-year terms. It was also Shanta Kumar who crushed employees’ agitation in Himachal Pradesh as CM and employees never forgave him for this anti-employee action. Interestingly when Narendra Modi was Himachal BJP incharge, he helped Prem Dhumal become the state chief minister in 1998 and not Shanta Kumar.

The BJP has denied tickets to two of its sitting MPs this time. Besides Shanta Kumar, Virender Kashyap, a two-time MP from Shimla has also been not given ticket. Suresh Kashyap, who is a two time MLA from Pachhad, will be BJP’s candidate from Shimla reserve constituency. If both Suresh Kumar and Kishan Kapoor win their election, the state has to hold by-elections to these vacant seats. Kishan Kapoor is MLA from Dharamshala while Suresh Kashyap is MLA from Pachhad.

On the other hand, Congress has fielded all four candidates who didn’t contested in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Two of them, however, have already contested parliamentary elections. Ram Lal Thakur, who has been given ticket from Hamirpur against BJP’s young turk Anurag Thakur, had fought thrice but could not win even once. In Shimla, the party has given ticket to former CWC member Col (Retd) Dhani Ram Shandil, who won on HVC ticket in 1999.

Another big happening in this election is shifting of loyalities by 94-year-old tall Brahmin leader Sukh Ram, who along with his grandson Ashrey has now joined the Congress and also managed ticket for him. Interestingly his son Anil Sharma remained a minister in the state BJP government even after his son got the Congress ticket. He had later quit as minister. However, he is still a BJP MLA and didn’t join the election campaign of his son Ashrey.

Congress has fielded two new faces. In Mandi, ticket has been given to Ashrey Sharma, grandson of Sukh Ram, who was cabinet minister in the then Narsimha Rao government at the Centre. Sukh Ram is considered to be opponent of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh. However, now he is hoping that Virbhadra Singh will support his grandson.

In Mandi, the BJP has repeated Ram Swaroop Sharma, a one time MP. However, Sukh Ram has now joined the Congress and this may affect the scenario on Mandi seat. Sukh Ram is considered to be a tall Brahmin leader in the region and has strong hold among the Rajputs. His move of joining Congress has made the contest  interesting in Mandi. In 2017, Sukh Ram had joined the BJP just a month before the assembly elections  and BJP won all 10 seats in Mandi district. Sukh Ram had joined the BJP alongwith his minister son Anil Sharma, who was minister in the Congress government.

Sukh Ram had helped Prem Kumar Dhumal to form government in 1998 when he asked three of the MLAs of his Himachal Vikas Congress (HVC) party to join the BJP so that Congress could not defect them to form government. He was thrown out of the Congress when huge money was recovered from his Mandi house during a raid. After that, he became bitter for Virbhadra Singh, who was CM. Sukh Ram on few occasions alleged that Singh was allegedly behind raids at his residence.

With Ashrey getting the Congress ticket from Mandi, things will be little tough for the BJP in this election, especially if former chief minister Virbhadra Singh supports him. Virbhadra Singh has already made elections visits to his constituency. Sukh Ram himself enjoys good hold in the region. Mandi had always been a stronghold of Sukh Ram who have won 14 assembly elections from Mandi seat besides two Lok Sabha elections. He, however, lost on two other occasions.

In Kangra Congress has fielded a OBC MLA Pawan Kajal. The OBCs are in large number in the Kangra parliamentary constituency. Kajal will be facing Kishan Kapoor of the BJP, who is a minister in the Jai Ram Thakur government. Kapoor is a Gaddi leader, who are in good number in the constituency. Kangra is considered to house Gaddi’s majority voters. Not only in Kangra, this community also resides in tribal area of  Bharmaour in Chamba. This constituency may witness keen battle this time as Shanta Kumar is out of race now.

In Hamirpur, BJP has repeated its sitting MP Anurag Thakur, who is considered as most strong BJP candidate among all the four seats in the state. He has already won this seat three times. Anurag is considered as one of the most promising young leaders in the BJP.

Congress has fielded former minister Ram Lal Thakur against Anurag.  It will be quite interesting to see contest on this seat. Former BJP chief and three time MP, Suresh Chandel, was also trying to join the Congress and get ticket. However, he could not succeed. The internal politics of the Congress blocked his way as most of the top Congress leaders were against his entry in the party.

Ram Lal had lost elections three times on this seat. However, Congress has again expressed faith in him. Few in the party feel that he may get sympathy of the voters for being rejected thrice. However, BJP candidate Anurag Thakur is a popular face in the area and it will be interesting to see how Ram Lal counters him. With former state BJP chief and three time MP Suresh Chandel also joining the Congress, Ram Lal claims that he is in better position this time.

In Shimla, Congress has expressed faith in MLA and former Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Col (Retd) Dhani Ram Shandil. He had won on this seat in 1999 on HVC ticket. This reserve constituency is also likely to witness a interesting battle this time. BJP denied ticket to sitting MP Virender Kashyap due to cases against him.

This election will be a first big test for Jai Ram Thakur who became chief minister in 2017. BJP had won all four Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2014 during Modi wave. Now it will be a big challenge for Jai Ram to retain all the seats. He has been a thorn in the eye of many, even in the party, for allegedly doling out big state projects to his constituency or home district Mandi.

However, he has denied the charges. Jai Ram told Tehelka that these are just rumours aired by Congress leaders. ‘’Modi government has sanctioned many projects for state and there have been equal distribution of funds for all 12 districts. Previous Congress government failed to brought projects and even misused the money which was allocated for the developmental projects of the state,” added the chief minister.

Mukesh Agnihotri, leader of the Opposition in state assembly, alleged that Jai Ram government has failed in the last one year and people will give a setback to BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections. ‘’The BJP government have not even fulfilled its single promise during 2017 assembly elections,” added the Congress leader. Polling in Himachal Pradesh will be held on May 19, the seventh phase. Top BJP leaders — PM Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, star campaigner Shatrughan Sinha are likely to campaign for their respective parties in the hilly state.

Two bypolls inevitable

Two assembly bypolls will be inevitable in the state after Lok Sabha results. The reason is that both Congress and the BJP have fielded sitting MLAs on Kangra and Shimla seats. In Kangra, BJP candidate Kishan Kapoor is a MLA from Dharamshala and minister in the BJP government. The Congress candidate Pawan Kajal is also a MLA from Kangra reserve constituency. On the other hand, BJP has fielded Suresh Kashyap while Congress candidate is Col (Retd) Dhani Ram Shandil. Both are MLAs.

Jolt to the BJP

Former state BJP chief and three-time MP Suresh Chandel joined Congress recently, giving a big jolt to the BJP. Though local Congress leaders are strongly opposing his joining, Chandel supporters claim that he will be able to make a dent in BJP votes.  However, a senior BJP leader in Bilaspur said that Chandel is out of mainstream politics for long time and has no impact on voters now.

Dad in BJP, son Cong candidate

Perhaps this is happening for the first time in the state politics that father is a BJP MLA and son is Congress candidate. In Mandi, Anil Sharma till recently was a minister in the BJP government. However, he was forced to resign after his son Ashrey joined the Congress and has got party ticket. Mandi is the district of CM Jai Ram Thakur. Now Anil Sharma is still a MLA in the BJP and son Ashrey is contesting on Congress ticket in Mandi. It is said that Anil is silently supporting his son.

letters@tehelka.com

[rafi1228]

Congress Against Not Just National Security, But Also Nation’s Development: PM Modi In Himachal

Congress Against Not Just National Security, But Also Nation’s Development: PM Modi In Himachal

PM Narendra Modi (Photo: ANI) Mandi: Stepping into the BJP’s election campaign in poll-bound Himachal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked the Congress party and stated that the party has not only been “against national security” but also the development of the country. Addressing the first election rally in Himachal’s Mandi, the Prime Minister raised the issue of defence deals…

[todaynewsguru]

BJP lines up stars; PM Modi to address rallies from Nov 5-9

BJP lines up stars; PM Modi to address rallies from Nov 5-9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address BJP’s election rallies in Himachal Pradesh from November 5 to 9, state party president Suresh Kashyap on Thursday said. As per tentative programme, the prime minister will address rallies in Shimla, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi, he said. Kashyap said BJP chief J P Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Union…

[znewstech]

PM Modi to address BJP poll rallies in Himachal from November 5-9 | India News - Times of India

PM Modi to address BJP poll rallies in Himachal from November 5-9 | India News – Times of India

SHIMLA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address BJP’s election rallies in Himachal Pradesh from November 5-9, state BJP president Suresh Kashyap said on Thursday. As per tentative programme, the prime minister will address rallies in Shimla, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi, he said. Kashyap said BJP chief J P Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal…

[delhinewsinenglish]

PM Modi sounds poll bugle in Himachal, literally

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2022/top-stories/pm-modi-sounds-poll-bugle-in-himachal--literally.html

The previous governments only laid foundation stones and forgot about the actual projects once the elections were over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday as he sounded the poll bugle – literally -- in Himachal Pradesh.

At a rally held here Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur presented the PM with a “Ransingha”, a trumpet-like traditional instrument. Modi played it and later said, “This marks the beginning of each future victory.”

He said the BJP government not only lays the stones but also inaugurates the development projects.

He was addressing the meeting at the Luhnu ground after inaugurating an AIIMS hospital and a hydro engineering college, the foundations stones for which were laid by him in 2017.

The BJP government in Himachal Pradesh hopes to return to power after the assembly polls before this year-end.

Modi headed next to Kullu to witness the Dussehra celebrations there.

The PM was scheduled to visit Mandi in the state on September 24, but couldn't make it to the rally venue due to bad weather. He had then addressed it virtually.

Modi said Bilaspur has got a “double gift” of development with the inauguration of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the Hydro Engineering College. “I am fortunate to have been a part of Himachal Pradesh's development journey,” he said.

He said development in the state has been possible because its people voted the BJP to power both at Centre and in the state.

Modi began his speech with the slogan “Jai Mata Naina Deviji”, the temple to which is located in Bilaspur district itself. He also extended Dussehra greetings.

He said Himachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in 'Rashtra Raksha' (national security) and now with the new AIIMS in Bilaspur, it will also play a pivotal role in 'Jeevan Raksha' (saving lives).

Modi said there were only three medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh in 2014. Eight more medical colleges and the AIIMS have been set up in the last eight years, he added.

He said the state can benefit much from medical tourism.

Modi congratulated Himachal for becoming the first state to formulate a drone policy. Drones will be used for transportation of medicines and other goods, he added.

He said his government is ensuring 'Ease of Living' for the poor and the middle class.

Speaking at the same rally, BJP president J P Nadda asked if any Congress prime minister had laid a foundation stone and then inaugurated the same project. Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Bilaspur AIIMS in October 2017 and for the college in April the same year.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said Himachal Pradesh got projects worth Rs 10,000 crore from the PM.

He said after Modi became prime minister the trend of states electing different parties every election has changed. He predicted that Himachal Pradesh will see a similar result next.

The AIIMS in Bilaspur has been built under the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana and cost Rs 1, 470 crore.

It is described as a state-of-the-art hospital with 18 specialty and 17 super specialty departments, 18 operation theatres and 750 beds, 64 of them in the ICU.

Spread over 247 acres, the hospital also has a Centre for Digital Health to provide health services in hard to access tribal areas. It will also hold health camps in remote places like Kaza, Saluni, and Keylong.

The hospital will admit 100 students to its MBBS courses and 60 to the nursing courses every year, authorities said.

Nadda inaugurated its outpatient department (OPD) last December, when the remaining facilities were still coming up.

Apart from launching the hospital and the college, Modi laid the foundation stones or inaugurated other development projects at Wednesday's event. Altogether, the projects are worth Rs 3, 650 crore today.

He then travelled to Kullu to see the rath yatra and the grand assembly of the deities, part of the Kullu Dussehra celebrations.

[munispeaks]

Himachal: PM Modi to address youth rally in Mandi on September 24 | India News

Himachal: PM Modi to address youth rally in Mandi on September 24 | India News

SHIMLA: Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a youth rally in chief minister Jai Ram Thakur’s home district Mandi next week. PM Modi will address the youth rally to be organised by the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha at Paddal Maidan in Mandi on September 24, Thakur said while addressing a public meeting in Mandi on…

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PM Narendra Modi Addresses Mega Poll Rally In Mandi, Himachal

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PM Modi tears into Congress during his rally in Mandi, Himachal https://in1.newsinvids.in/pm-modi-tears-into-congress-during-his-rally-in-mandi-himachal/ … #NewsInVidsIndia

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Current Affairs Headlines of 27th February 2017

→ 5 major telcos optimum for Indian market: Telecom Secretary. → 67 Athletes to run in IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon 2017. → 68th Strandja Memorial Tournament: Hussamuddin, Maisnam enters semi-finals. → Australia and Indonesia restore full military ties. → Bitcoin price surges to three-year high of $1,219. → Himachal Pradesh: Famous International Shivratri festival begins in Mandi. → India and Germany have ratified the Social Security Agreement (SSA), which will come into force from 01st May 2017, to help promote more investment flows between the two countries. → India likely to be less affected by global economic shocks: IMF. → India wins all 3 medals at Asian Para-Road Cycling Championship. → Karnataka: Digi Dhan mela organised in Dharwad. → Mahershala Ali becomes first Muslim actor to win an Oscar. → PM Modi pays tribute to freedom activist Veer Savarkar. → Sachin Tendulkar-branded phone to be launched soon: Reports. → Saudi Foreign Minister makes rare visit to Baghdad. → Suicide blasts pose threat to United Nations’ Syria peace talks. → Table tennis players produce 766-shot, 10-min-long rally. More Current Affairs Headlines of 27th February 2017  - http://ift.tt/2lKO1bC

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Voters walk terrains of Himachal politics

With BJP and Congress well-entrenched in state, there is hardly any scope for the emergence of a potential third front, reports Rakesh Rocky

By

Rakesh Rocky

-May 16, 2019

36

With rallies addressed by Prime Minister Narender Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi , the hilly state of Himachal is all set for the Lok Sabha polls, voting for which will be held in the last phase on May 19. Main contest is between ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress. BJP had won all the four seats in 2014 elections. Therefore, the polls are being seen as a big challenge for Jai Ram Thakur, young chief minister of the state to retain all the seats for his party, the BJP.

After many turns, the election has reached in the last phase of the electioneering. First, the BJP denied ticket to its stalwart 85-year-old former CM, Shanta Kumar. And then former union minister Sukh Ram quit BJP to join Congress along with his grandson Ashrey Sharma and also managed Congress ticket for him. Now Ashrey is contesting against one-time MP Ram Swaroop Sharma in Mandi, home district of CM Jai Ram Thakur.

This Lok Sabha elections have finally bid adieu to Shanta Kumar (85), who started his political career as a panch (panchayat member) in 1963 and was considered as one of the tallest leaders in Himachal Pradesh politics. The BJP has denied ticket to Shanta Kumar in Kangra and has fielded his close associate Kishan Kapoor, a Gaddi leader and a minister in the state BJP government.

The BJP has made two changes this time and also fielded new face in Shimla reserve constituency. However, the biggest news is farewell of Shanta Kumar who ruled this hilly state twice as chief minister and was elected five times to the Parliament, which included his four time stint as member of Lok Sabha. Supporters of Shanta Kumar claim that their leader may be sent to Rajya Sabha after Lok Sabha elections. However, it seems that the electoral career of Shanta Kumar has ended.

The party has retained three time MP Anurag Thakur, its young face, from Hamirpur and Ram Swaroop Sharma, one-time MP from Mandi and has fielded Kishan Kapoor — a Gaddi leader — from Kangra which currently is represented by Shanta Kumar. Kapoor is considered to be a loyalist of Shanta Kumar.

Shanta Kumar had earned strong criticism when as CM he gave ordered firing on agitating apple farmers in Shimla district after which BJP was reduced to eight seats in the 68-member state assembly. He is also unlucky that BJP governments in his both terms as chief minister could not complete full five-year terms. It was also Shanta Kumar who crushed employees’ agitation in Himachal Pradesh as CM and employees never forgave him for this anti-employee action. Interestingly when Narendra Modi was Himachal BJP incharge, he helped Prem Dhumal become the state chief minister in 1998 and not Shanta Kumar.

The BJP has denied tickets to two of its sitting MPs this time. Besides Shanta Kumar, Virender Kashyap, a two-time MP from Shimla has also been not given ticket. Suresh Kashyap, who is a two time MLA from Pachhad, will be BJP’s candidate from Shimla reserve constituency. If both Suresh Kumar and Kishan Kapoor win their election, the state has to hold by-elections to these vacant seats. Kishan Kapoor is MLA from Dharamshala while Suresh Kashyap is MLA from Pachhad.

On the other hand, Congress has fielded all four candidates who didn’t contested in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Two of them, however, have already contested parliamentary elections. Ram Lal Thakur, who has been given ticket from Hamirpur against BJP’s young turk Anurag Thakur, had fought thrice but could not win even once. In Shimla, the party has given ticket to former CWC member Col (Retd) Dhani Ram Shandil, who won on HVC ticket in 1999.

Another big happening in this election is shifting of loyalities by 94-year-old tall Brahmin leader Sukh Ram, who along with his grandson Ashrey has now joined the Congress and also managed ticket for him. Interestingly his son Anil Sharma remained a minister in the state BJP government even after his son got the Congress ticket. He had later quit as minister. However, he is still a BJP MLA and didn’t join the election campaign of his son Ashrey.

Congress has fielded two new faces. In Mandi, ticket has been given to Ashrey Sharma, grandson of Sukh Ram, who was cabinet minister in the then Narsimha Rao government at the Centre. Sukh Ram is considered to be opponent of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh. However, now he is hoping that Virbhadra Singh will support his grandson.

In Mandi, the BJP has repeated Ram Swaroop Sharma, a one time MP. However, Sukh Ram has now joined the Congress and this may affect the scenario on Mandi seat. Sukh Ram is considered to be a tall Brahmin leader in the region and has strong hold among the Rajputs. His move of joining Congress has made the contest  interesting in Mandi. In 2017, Sukh Ram had joined the BJP just a month before the assembly elections  and BJP won all 10 seats in Mandi district. Sukh Ram had joined the BJP alongwith his minister son Anil Sharma, who was minister in the Congress government.

Sukh Ram had helped Prem Kumar Dhumal to form government in 1998 when he asked three of the MLAs of his Himachal Vikas Congress (HVC) party to join the BJP so that Congress could not defect them to form government. He was thrown out of the Congress when huge money was recovered from his Mandi house during a raid. After that, he became bitter for Virbhadra Singh, who was CM. Sukh Ram on few occasions alleged that Singh was allegedly behind raids at his residence.

With Ashrey getting the Congress ticket from Mandi, things will be little tough for the BJP in this election, especially if former chief minister Virbhadra Singh supports him. Virbhadra Singh has already made elections visits to his constituency. Sukh Ram himself enjoys good hold in the region. Mandi had always been a stronghold of Sukh Ram who have won 14 assembly elections from Mandi seat besides two Lok Sabha elections. He, however, lost on two other occasions.

In Kangra Congress has fielded a OBC MLA Pawan Kajal. The OBCs are in large number in the Kangra parliamentary constituency. Kajal will be facing Kishan Kapoor of the BJP, who is a minister in the Jai Ram Thakur government. Kapoor is a Gaddi leader, who are in good number in the constituency. Kangra is considered to house Gaddi’s majority voters. Not only in Kangra, this community also resides in tribal area of  Bharmaour in Chamba. This constituency may witness keen battle this time as Shanta Kumar is out of race now.

In Hamirpur, BJP has repeated its sitting MP Anurag Thakur, who is considered as most strong BJP candidate among all the four seats in the state. He has already won this seat three times. Anurag is considered as one of the most promising young leaders in the BJP.

Congress has fielded former minister Ram Lal Thakur against Anurag.  It will be quite interesting to see contest on this seat. Former BJP chief and three time MP, Suresh Chandel, was also trying to join the Congress and get ticket. However, he could not succeed. The internal politics of the Congress blocked his way as most of the top Congress leaders were against his entry in the party.

Ram Lal had lost elections three times on this seat. However, Congress has again expressed faith in him. Few in the party feel that he may get sympathy of the voters for being rejected thrice. However, BJP candidate Anurag Thakur is a popular face in the area and it will be interesting to see how Ram Lal counters him. With former state BJP chief and three time MP Suresh Chandel also joining the Congress, Ram Lal claims that he is in better position this time.

In Shimla, Congress has expressed faith in MLA and former Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Col (Retd) Dhani Ram Shandil. He had won on this seat in 1999 on HVC ticket. This reserve constituency is also likely to witness a interesting battle this time. BJP denied ticket to sitting MP Virender Kashyap due to cases against him.

This election will be a first big test for Jai Ram Thakur who became chief minister in 2017. BJP had won all four Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2014 during Modi wave. Now it will be a big challenge for Jai Ram to retain all the seats. He has been a thorn in the eye of many, even in the party, for allegedly doling out big state projects to his constituency or home district Mandi.

However, he has denied the charges. Jai Ram told Tehelka that these are just rumours aired by Congress leaders. ‘’Modi government has sanctioned many projects for state and there have been equal distribution of funds for all 12 districts. Previous Congress government failed to brought projects and even misused the money which was allocated for the developmental projects of the state,” added the chief minister.

Mukesh Agnihotri, leader of the Opposition in state assembly, alleged that Jai Ram government has failed in the last one year and people will give a setback to BJP in the coming Lok Sabha elections. ‘’The BJP government have not even fulfilled its single promise during 2017 assembly elections,” added the Congress leader. Polling in Himachal Pradesh will be held on May 19, the seventh phase. Top BJP leaders — PM Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, star campaigner Shatrughan Sinha are likely to campaign for their respective parties in the hilly state.

Two bypolls inevitable

Two assembly bypolls will be inevitable in the state after Lok Sabha results. The reason is that both Congress and the BJP have fielded sitting MLAs on Kangra and Shimla seats. In Kangra, BJP candidate Kishan Kapoor is a MLA from Dharamshala and minister in the BJP government. The Congress candidate Pawan Kajal is also a MLA from Kangra reserve constituency. On the other hand, BJP has fielded Suresh Kashyap while Congress candidate is Col (Retd) Dhani Ram Shandil. Both are MLAs.

Jolt to the BJP

Former state BJP chief and three-time MP Suresh Chandel joined Congress recently, giving a big jolt to the BJP. Though local Congress leaders are strongly opposing his joining, Chandel supporters claim that he will be able to make a dent in BJP votes.  However, a senior BJP leader in Bilaspur said that Chandel is out of mainstream politics for long time and has no impact on voters now.

Dad in BJP, son Cong candidate

Perhaps this is happening for the first time in the state politics that father is a BJP MLA and son is Congress candidate. In Mandi, Anil Sharma till recently was a minister in the BJP government. However, he was forced to resign after his son Ashrey joined the Congress and has got party ticket. Mandi is the district of CM Jai Ram Thakur. Now Anil Sharma is still a MLA in the BJP and son Ashrey is contesting on Congress ticket in Mandi. It is said that Anil is silently supporting his son.

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