HP polls: Dhumal and Thakur fight it out for Hamirpur

The Hamirpur constituency will be at the centre of attention in this year’s Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh, with Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal pitted against former BJP President for Hamirpur constituency, Narender Thakur, who has changed his loyalties from BJP to Congress.

Thakur also happens to be the son of late BJP loyalist Jagdev Chand Thakur.

Dhumal is contesting from the Hamirpur seat for the first time, after his home constituency of Bamsan was scrapped in the re-allotment of constituencies. BJP reigns supreme in the Hamirpur constituency, with seven of the previous winners belonging to the party.

These winners were Narender Thakur’s family members, even though Thakur himself has lost two elections from Hamirpur, as stated in a report carried out by The Tribune, Chandigarh. He also contested and lost the last parliamentary election to Dhumal’s son Anurag Thakur.

An efficient and strong party structure and a good bonding with local voters are bound to work in the favour of Dhumal. His consistent involvement in the development of his state, especially in the district will impress his existing and potential vote-banks. His current term as the CM has been successful with many schools and other educational institutions being set up during his tenure. The district has benefited from the opening of institutes like the HP Technical University and the State Institute of Food Craft.

Other candidates contesting for the seat include Anil Mankotia from CPM, Avnish Kumar from Himachal Swabhiman Party, Naveen Singh from Samajwadi Party, and Ashish Kumar- an independent candidate, among others, as stated by the report. Himachal Pradesh goes to polls on November 4.

Related LinksHome

Countdown begins for Himachal race
HP polls: Parkash Badal launches tirade against Cong
BJP, SAD come up against Sonia’s attack on Himachal Government
Modi to campaign in Himachal next week