Himachal Pradesh: Following the Congress’s decision not to give him a ticket for the Dehra assembly by-election, party leader Rajesh Sharma hinted that he intends to run as an independent candidate. This decision follows the Congress’s announcement of Kamlesh Thakur, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s wife, as their candidate for the Dehra assembly constituency.
Sharma ran as a Congress candidate in the 2022 assembly elections in Dehra but lost. He scheduled a meeting with his supporters on Wednesday to plan his next steps.
Himachal Pradesh may face a political disaster
Sharma ran in the 2022 assembly elections from Dehra under the Congress banner but was defeated. He convened a meeting with his supporters on Wednesday to plan his next steps. Speaking to his supporters, Sharma emphasized his dedication to the people of Dehra, stating, “I am not seeking power, but I cannot let down the people of Dehra.”
During the meeting, the Congress leader became emotional and voiced his disappointment and frustration. His health suddenly worsened, leading to his admission to the government hospital in Dehra, where doctors are closely monitoring him. The decision to nominate Kamlesh Thakur has sparked controversy within the Congress. If Sharma decides to run as an independent candidate, it could pose challenges for the party.
The by-election for the Dehra assembly seat is scheduled for July 10. Meanwhile, Rajiv Bindal, the state BJP president, criticized the chief minister, describing the Sukhu government as a “husband-wife government”. Bihari Lal Sharma, the state BJP general secretary, accused the CM of dishonesty, alleging that Sukhu had previously claimed he didn’t want a ticket, yet now his wife is contesting from Dehra. Sharma stated, “The CM’s actions contradict his words, and he acts contrary to what he says.”
