The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Himachal Pradesh): The political arena in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency is charged with anticipation as the upcoming by-elections present a critical juncture for both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The by-elections, set to be conducted alongside the Lok Sabha polls, are especially significant due to the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, leading to vacancies in six assembly seats. This situation has diminished the Congress party’s representation from 40 to 34 members in the 68-member legislative assembly, impacting the balance of power. With the BJP holding 25 seats and the support of three independents, the outcome of these by-elections could potentially alter the government’s composition, as a majority requires the backing of 35 MLAs.
The selection process for candidates is a complex task for the BJP, given the historical context of the disqualified rebels defeating BJP candidates in the 2022 elections. Conversely, the Congress faces the challenge of nominating new representatives. The disqualified MLAs were removed for their support of the BJP’s Rajya Sabha nominee, a factor influencing the candidate selection process, with final decisions resting on the party’s senior leadership.
Among the assembly constituencies affected, four fall within the Hamirpur parliamentary seat, while the remaining two are under the jurisdictions of Kangra and Mandi Lok Sabha seats. The vacancies arose following the disqualification of six Congress MLAs for their absence during critical votes in the assembly, alongside their support for a BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Notably, the Hamirpur constituency draws additional attention as it hosts Anurag Thakur, a sitting BJP MP and Union Minister, competing for re-election. The region also boasts ties to prominent political figures, including BJP’s national president J.P. Nadda and both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, representing segments within the constituency.
As the electoral battle unfolds, candidates are bound by expenditure limits set by the state election commission, with legal proceedings against the MLAs’ disqualifications pending in the Supreme Court. This dynamic political landscape underscores the strategic importance of the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat and its assembly constituencies, reflecting the high stakes involved for both major political parties in the region.