In Himachal Pradesh, the main contest in the assembly elections to be held later this year is between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, but the Aam Aadmi Party, buoyed by the electoral victory in Punjab, is also knocking here. In such a situation, both the BJP and the Congress are on alert because their dissidents may join the Aam Aadmi Party. BJP President JP Nadda is constantly visiting the state and keeping a direct eye on the election preparations. Being the home state of Nadda, its importance is very high.
The election heat has started increasing in the naturally cold Himachal. Last year, the Congress has managed to register victory in the by-elections held in one Lok Sabha and three assembly seats in Himachal. After defeating BJP in these seats, the spirits of Congress are high. On the other hand, after winning a big victory in neighboring Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party is now trying to establish its roots in Himachal as well. In such a situation, the BJP has to fight on a double front. The BJP recently dealt a big blow to the Aam Aadmi Party by inducting many big leaders into the BJP, but the challenge of the Congress could give problems to it.
BJP’s eyes on the report cards of MLAs
According to sources, the BJP has started chalking out its election preparations in view of the future challenge. Every assembly constituency is being reviewed and the report card of every BJP MLA is being closely monitored. Sources say that from cutting the ticket to deciding the ticket, the social and political equations of every region will be kept in mind. A prominent leader of the party says that this time more caution is being taken than a new platform of Aam Aadmi Party is available for the dissatisfied.
Competition can be tough
In the 2017 assembly elections, the BJP had secured a clear majority by winning 44 out of 68 seats. Congress got 21 seats. One seat was won by CPI(M) and two seats were won by independents. But this time the situation is not the same. The Congress has shown its strength in the meantime, but there is a ruckus about the leadership.
Increased activity of Anurag Thakur
In the assembly elections to be held this time, the BJP is trying to instil a new leadership of the party in Himachal. This effort of BJP is preparation of BJP for future. Although the party is going to contest the elections under the leadership of the current Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, but the activism of Union Minister Anurag Thakur is increasing continuously. He is being considered as the future face of BJP in the state.
Nadda’s second visit in a month
Being the home state of BJP National President JP Nadda, his activism has also increased continuously. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are additionally active regarding Gujarat, Nadda is taking command in Himachal. Nadda is visiting the state for the second time this month on April 22-23. During this, he will be involved in many programs in Kangra district. Earlier, Nadda had also visited Himachal on 11th April and then visited Shimla and Bilaspur.