Vishal Rana, Hamirpur
In Himachal’s six assembly constituencies, by-elections are looming alongside the parliamentary elections. Speaking of Hamirpur district, it has been a focal point of Himachal Pradesh’s politics since its inception. Whether it’s former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Congress stalwart Narayan Chand Parashar, Jagdev Chand Thakur, current Union Minister Anurag Thakur, or the present Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, all have their roots in this district, showcasing their leadership capabilities at both state and national levels.
Following the recent turn of events, various political parties and politicians are assessing their prospects. While two Congress MLAs, Rajendra Rana and Inderdatt Lakhanpal, have resigned and joined BJP, contesting these by-elections from BJP’s side, independent candidate Ashish Sharma has also resigned from Hamirpur assembly constituency, potentially triggering another by-election.
Amidst the political upheaval in Hamirpur, politicians and the public alike find themselves in a perplexing situation. Former adversaries now seem to be allies, while erstwhile friends stand against each other with drawn swords. Those who were once staunch opponents are now exchanging pleasantries and seeking blessings, leaving the populace wondering if these blessings are genuine or merely a result of hierarchical pressure.
In the midst of all this, the common folk of Hamirpur are grappling with the uncertainty of aligning themselves. The emotional connection with the Chief Minister hailing from their district, and the fear of losing it, looms large. The issue of the Chief Minister belonging to a small district like Hamirpur is gaining prominence in the upcoming elections. Additionally, the matter of the old pension scheme is expected to escalate, akin to how the BJP government in Rajasthan scrapped the previous Congress government’s announced old pension scheme, leading to discontent among Himachal’s government employees allied with Congress.
Furthermore, BJP seems to be struggling to assimilate defected Congress leaders into their fold. The dissatisfaction with Congress is evident as the organizational structure appears shaky, with grassroots workers abandoning the party alongside their leaders. The sentiment against Congress is palpable, especially in the district, where criticisms against the 14-month tenure of the Congress government are mounting due to the intrusion of appointed leaders, bureaucratic interference, and tarnished public image.
Amidst these unfolding events, conversations with the common people suggest that the residents of Hamirpur are contemplating a unique stance this time around – “one vote for the CM and one for the PM.” However, the direction political events will take in the most educated district of the country remains uncertain, but Hamirpur district’s political landscape is poised for further dynamism and growth in the days to come.
As Hamirpur district braces itself for the upcoming elections, its political arena resonates with a symphony of shifting allegiances and evolving sentiments. While the echoes of past loyalties reverberate through the corridors of power, the people of Hamirpur stand at a crossroads, navigating through a maze of choices with wisdom and discernment. As they prepare to cast their votes, they embody the essence of democracy, embracing change with resilience and optimism, ensuring that the spirit of governance remains vibrant and dynamic in the heart of Himachal Pradesh.