ML Verma/ Shimla, May 28,
In the upcoming election for the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat, a seasoned BJP incumbent faces a strong challenge from a Congress candidate, marking a significant political battle in Himachal Pradesh. Anurag Thakur, a four-time MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is up against Satpal Singh Raizada, a one-time MLA from the Indian National Congress (INC). This contest has garnered much attention as both candidates vie for the support of the electorate amidst a dozen other contenders.
The Hamirpur constituency, which comprises seventeen assembly segments spanning the districts of Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, and parts of Mandi and Kangra, is witnessing a keenly fought battle. The field of candidates includes Anurag Thakur (BJP), Satpal Singh Raizada (INC), Hemraj (Bahujan Samaj Party), Arun Ankesh Syal (Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal), Subedar Major Kulwant Singh Patial (Bharatiya Jawan Kisan Party), Jagdeep Kumar (Rashtriya Devbhoomi Party), Sumit Rana (All India Family Party), and independent candidates Garib Das Katoch, Gopi Chand Atri, Nand Lal, Ramesh Chand Sarathi, and Surendra Kumar Gautam.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Anurag Thakur secured a decisive victory against Ram Lal Thakur of the Congress, winning by a margin of 399,572 votes. This year, however, he faces a tougher challenge due to the changing political landscape. The BJP, which once held a strong lead in all seventeen assembly segments, experienced significant setbacks in subsequent Vidhan Sabha elections, losing all five seats in Hamirpur, three in Una, and one in Bilaspur. This decline in local support has intensified the BJP’s efforts to retain the Hamirpur seat.
Anurag Thakur, the elder son of former Chief Minister PK Dhumal and the brother of Arun Dhumal, chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been a prominent figure in Himachal Pradesh politics. Despite his influence and connections with top BJP leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President JP Nadda (who also hails from Bilaspur), Thakur faces significant anti-incumbency sentiments, particularly in Bilaspur, Una, Dehra, and Dharampur. Critics argue that his performance as a minister with independent charge at the centre has not met public expectations.
The BJP’s campaign emphasizes Thakur’s achievements and his regular presence in the constituency over the past three months, appealing to voters to support him for continued development under Modi’s leadership. The party also highlights its efforts to benefit ex-servicemen, their families, and female voters, groups that form a significant portion of the electorate. The BJP contends that their policies and initiatives for these communities are commendable, hoping this will translate into votes for Thakur. The ex-servicemen community, often referred to as the “money order economy,” plays a crucial role in the local economy. Their pensions and remittances significantly contribute to the financial stability of the region, making their support vital for any candidate’s success. However, the recent Agniveer recruitment scheme, intended to modernize the Indian Defence forces, has backfired according to many residents. They lament that under this scheme, sons might retire from service before their fathers, creating uncertainty and dissatisfaction among defence personnel and their families.
However, the so-called “Modi wave” that previously bolstered BJP candidates appears to have waned, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. Many constituents express dissatisfaction with the BJP’s performance, indicating that reliance on Modi’s popularity alone may not be sufficient to secure Thakur’s re-election. The opposition argues that Thakur’s campaign is overly dependent on national leadership rather than addressing local issues effectively.
On the other side, the Congress party, spearheaded by HP Chief Minister SS Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, is campaigning on a platform of local issues and development. Sukhu, who is from the Nadaun assembly segment of Hamirpur, and Agnihotri from Haroli in Una, are leading the charge against Thakur, highlighting the lack of significant development in the region under BJP rule. They assert that Satpal Raizada, although relatively new to voters in Hamirpur and Bilaspur, can bring the change needed for the area’s growth.
The Congress campaign focuses on the BJP’s alleged failures and Thakur’s inability to deliver on promises. They argue that despite his high-profile status and proximity to central leadership, Thakur has not effectively utilized his position to benefit the local populace. This narrative is gaining traction, especially in areas where the BJP has lost recent state elections.
Satpal Raizada, leveraging his experience as a former MLA from Una, positions himself as a candidate who understands local needs and can address the issues neglected by Thakur. The Congress believes that Raizada’s fresh perspective and focus on regional development will resonate with voters disillusioned by the BJP’s performance.
As the election date approaches, both parties are ramping up their campaigns. The BJP, aiming to mitigate anti-incumbency sentiments, is heavily promoting Thakur’s connections and past achievements. Meanwhile, the Congress is intensifying its outreach, emphasizing the need for new leadership and highlighting Raizada’s potential to bring about the desired changes.
The atmosphere in the Hamirpur constituency is highly charged, with leaders from both parties making frequent appearances and rallying support. Despite the heated campaigns, many voters remain non-committal, preferring to withhold their preferences until polling day. This uncertainty adds to the suspense surrounding the election outcome.
In summary, while Anurag Thakur may have a slight edge due to his experience and established political network, he faces considerable challenges. The anti-incumbency sentiment, coupled with the diminishing influence of the Modi wave, puts his re-election in jeopardy. Satpal Raizada and the Congress are capitalizing on these weaknesses, presenting themselves as viable alternatives capable of driving local development. The final verdict will depend on which candidate can most effectively address the electorate’s concerns and aspirations in this closely watched electoral contest.
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