Vishal Rana/ Hamirpur

The Congress Party seems to have shifted its focus solely onto the upcoming local by-elections, leaving aside the looming Lok Sabha elections. Amidst the tangled web of allegations and counter-allegations between defected leaders and those remaining in Congress, the party appears to be struggling to address national issues amongst the public. Despite the significant rift within the party, Congress leaders are busy scrutinizing and strategizing over the departure of defected leaders from their respective constituencies where by-elections are in scheduled, rather than addressing crucial issues like development and employment. Meanwhile, the anticipation grows for the announcement of Congress candidates for the upcoming assembly by-elections in the Hamirpur district, with possibilities of heightened personal attacks post-announcement.

In what is perceived as a tactical victory for the BJP, the Congress seems to be narrowly focused on the upcoming by-elections in just two assembly constituencies and the potential third one in Hamirpur Sadar. National issues appear to be sidelined in Congress gatherings and meetings, with some Congress speakers seemingly fulfilling formalities with mere one-liners against the central government. The educated populace of Hamirpur, the district known for its literacy rate, expresses a shift in the electoral discourse this time around, urging political parties to prioritize fundamental issues such as water, healthcare, roads, and education.

Former schoolteacher Balvinder Singh Kanwar emphasizes that this election has veered away from substantive issues like development and instead should prioritize the nation’s progress as the paramount concern. Alongside, there is a growing demand for concrete policies and plans to ensure employment opportunities, which could potentially alleviate poverty.

Local mobile trader Vijay Verma highlights the adverse impact of central policies on distributors and traders, as schemes like FDIs, e-commerce, and modern trade disrupt their businesses. He suggests that the central government should encourage foreign investment in major projects like road construction, indigenous infrastructure, medical research, hospitals, and education, instead of diverting investments to smaller projects. This policy, he argues, has adversely affected small businesses like grocery stores.

Former Captain Surinder Singh Dogra calls for the reinstatement of schemes like Agniveer to enable soldiers to carry out their duties with honor. He emphasizes that military service not only embodies the patriotism of Himachal Pradesh’s youth but also serves as a means of employment. He suggests the formation of a Himachal Regiment within the army to further bolster the state’s contribution.

Local homemaker Meenakshi highlights the increasing cost of everyday items due to GST, making essentials like milk, curd, and groceries more expensive. Additionally, rising fuel prices have further escalated household expenses.

Furthermore, several issues pertaining to the jurisdiction of the central government remain unaddressed in public forums by the opposition. With two months left until the elections, it remains to be seen whether Congress will pivot its campaign strategy to become a formidable opposition, holding the central government and Lok Sabha MPs accountable, or whether it will confine its efforts merely to the local by-elections and continue to grapple with the crisis in its state government.