Mandi BJP leaders fall in line, to back Anil Sharma

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, October 17

Finally, Mandi Sadar Block Committee leaders, who were earlier opposing the induction of Rural Development Minister Anil Sharma in the BJP, today bowed to the BJP high command and accepted him their candidate.

The leaders had threatened the BJP high command to review its decision otherwise they would quit.

To control the damage, Mandi MP Ramswaroop Sharma came forward to settle the issue and met party workers. As a result, they agreed to welcome Anil Sharma and his supporters in a formal function. In the presence of district and block committees, Ramswaroop Sharma welcomed Anil Sharma and his supporters.

However, senior BJP leader Jai Ram was absent who delivered his welcome message on the phone. He urged party workers to unite to win the seat, which was the stronghold of the Congress. President of the Block Committee Dipak Gularia said, “After directions of the high command, we have decided to support the newly joined BJP candidate Anil Sharma.”

The BJP had only once won the seat in 1990. Ramswaroop said, “The constituency is the stronghold of the Congress but this time we are confident that we will win Mandi Sadar.”