Shimla, Apr 14
The Congress Central Election Committee convened at the AICC headquarters to deliberate on the seats for four Lok Sabha and six bye-elections in Himachal Pradesh, ultimately solidifying the candidacy of Vikramaditya Singh for the Mandi Parliamentary seat and Vinod Sulatanpuri from Shimla.
Pertinent to mention that both the young leaders are currently MLAs, as the grand old party decided to field them in the Lok sabha poll arena.
This decision was made in opposition to Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, a move that foreshadows a dynamic contest in the Mandi district. The recent sparring of words between Singh and Ranaut set the stage for what promises to be a heated electoral battle.
Vikramaditya Singh, the son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, emerged as the chosen candidate for the Mandi constituency, a decision supported by Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee President, Pratibha Singh. The announcement comes after BJP’s declaration of Kangana Ranaut’s political debut, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. Ranaut, originating from the Sarkaghat area of Mandi district and residing in Manali, brings her star power to this electoral arena.
Mandi Parliamentary constituency, historically a Congress stronghold, has seen notable leaders like Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha Singh represent it in the past. Virbhadra Singh was elected in 2009, succeeding Pandit Sukh Ram, while Pratibha Singh held the seat for nearly three decades. This legacy underscores the significance of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape.
The deliberations for the Shimla Lok Sabha seat have also culminated with the confirmation of Vinod Sultanpuri’s candidacy, providing clarity in another key electoral battleground.
Vinod Sultanpuri who elected member of legislative assembly in 2022 is son of KD Sultanpuri and Congress party has decided to test him to regain its bastion after 15 yrs again.
Late Krishnadutt Sultanpuri six time Congress MP had retained Shimla Parliamentary continue since 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991,1996, and 1998. Himachal Vikas Congress and Congress candidate Dr Dhani Ram Shandil has also been elected MP from here in 1998 and 2005.
Electoral battle for Shimla reserve Lok Sabha seat is going to be a direct contest between Congress Vinod Sultanpuri and two times former MLA and BJP Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap.
Noteworthy that Himachal has 4 Lok sabha seats, wherein two more candidates (on Kangra and Hamirpur seats) are yet to be announced soon.
Meanwhile state party president Pratibha Singh emphasized the importance of fielding young leaders this time around, a sentiment echoed by senior party leaders. This sentiment led to the consensus on this candidacy, signifying a strategic move to bring youthful energy into the fray.
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