Congress replaces Bodh Raj in Gangath, BJP Praveen in Mandi

Shimla, Nov 30 (UNI) On the last day of filing of nominations, the Congress and the BJP today changed their respective candidates in Mandi and Gangath constituencies, which go to the polls on December 19.

The Congress has replaced sitting legislator Bodh Raj from Gangath constituency in Kangra district following a Supreme Court ruling against him.

The party has now fielded Krishan Kumar as its candidate from the constituency.

On the other hand, the BJP fielded rebel Congress candidate, D D Thakur, from Mandi constituency, replacing Mr Praveen Kumar, who was expected to withdraw his candidature .

Earlier, Mr Thakur announced his decision to resign from the primary membership of the Congress and joined the BJP, which made him fill his membership followed by the nomination papers.

Addressing a hurriedly called press conference at Mandi, he accused former union minister Sukh Ram of promoting ''dynastic rule'' by ignoring the claims of the grass root workers.

Lamenting at the Congress' choice of candidate from the constituency, he said despite bringing shame on the party, it had made Mr Ram's son its choice.

Mr Thakur said since the party was compromising with corrupt elements, he had no choice but to put in his papers.

However, sources said BJP state incharge Satpal Jain, who was camping here for the last two days, had confabulations with the rebel Congressman and pursuaded him to join the party.

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