BJP Nominates Ex-Independent MLAs for Himachal Pradesh Assembly Bypolls

In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming by-elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its candidates for three assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh. The list, released on Thursday, includes three independent Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who recently joined the BJP after supporting it in the Rajya Sabha elections earlier this year. Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur, Hoshiyar Singh from Dehra, and K L Thakur from Nalagarh are set to contest the bypolls scheduled for July 10 from their respective constituencies.

The political landscape in Himachal Pradesh saw a significant shift when these three independent MLAs, alongside six Congress rebels, voted for BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha elections held on February 27. Following their support, Mahajan emerged victorious. Subsequently, on March 22, these MLAs resigned from the Vidhan Sabha, with their resignations being accepted by Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on June 3. This development came after the by-elections for six seats vacated by Congress rebels and the Lok Sabha elections were conducted.

Despite experiencing a setback in the recent bypolls where the Congress secured four out of six seats, leaving only two for the BJP, the party has decided to field these three independents once again. This decision underscores BJP's confidence in these candidates and its strategy to consolidate its position in the state assembly.

K L Thakur is not new to political victories; he has been elected twice as an MLA from Nalagarh, first in 2012 as a BJP candidate and then in 2022 as an independent. Similarly, Hoshiyar Singh has also served two terms as an MLA from Dehra, winning both times as an independent in 2017 and 2022. Ashish Sharma, although a first-time MLA from Hamirpur, brings fresh energy and perspective to the party's lineup.

Both the BJP and Congress have already geared up for the by-elections by appointing in-charges for these three crucial seats. The outcome of these bypolls will be keenly watched as it could influence the political dynamics in Himachal Pradesh ahead of future electoral contests.

The decision to field these former independents underlines BJP's tactical approach to strengthen its foothold in the state assembly. By backing candidates with proven electoral appeal and a track record of success, the party aims to enhance its legislative presence and further its developmental agenda in Himachal Pradesh.