Shimla, Oct 26
Regarding the number of rebels, compared to the ruling BJP opposition, Congress seems to be in a somewhat better position. Out of 68 Assembly constituencies in the Himachal Pradesh poll, ten rebels of Congress are in the fray, whereas BJP is facing a challenge in 17-18 seats.
Many dissidents jumped into the race on Tuesday’s last day of filling nomination. Now the challenge would be before both mainstream parties to persuade these leaders.
Sympathizers of the Congress party feel this is not a good sign for the party, which claims to uproot the Jai Ram government. If Congress cannot persuade them in the next four days, the party may have to suffer in the directly revolted seats. The party has time till October 29 to convince them, they added.
The most significant blow came to Congress from Virbhadra Singh’s home in Rampur Assembly seat as Congress councillor, Vishaswar Lal, has become a rebel. On the other hand, BJP has fielded a young face Kaul Negi. In such a situation, Congress-sitting MLA Nandlal is now locked in a triangular contest.
Also, the tension of Congress candidate Rajneesh Khimta at Chopal is that Dr. Subhash Manglet has become a rebel. Manglet has filed nomination papers and made this contest triangular. BJP has fielded Balbir Verma former MLA, as the official candidate.
Jagjivan Pal, former MLA from Sullah assembly constituency of Kangra district, also decided to fight as a rebel against the party’s official candidate Jagdish Siphiya.
Two rebels in the Theog revolted as Vijay Pal Khachi and Indu Verma, filled nominations. Although Indu Verma had joined the Congress only two months ago, the rebellion of Vijay Pal Khachi can create more problems for Congress candidate Kuldeep Rathore.
Rajendra Thakur, close to Holy Lodge from Arki seat, has increased the tension of sitting MLA and Congress candidate Sanjay Awasthi in Arki Constituency by filing as an independent. Former MLA Gangu Ram Musafir” is in Pachhad as Congress has given the ticket to former BJP leader Dayal Pyari here.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP, facing dissidents on 25 seats, has succeeded in pacifying about eight rebels, stopping them from the race.
However, most rebels in both parties may harm the official condidate(s) prospect.
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