Anil then and now for BJP

Former Himachal Power Minister Anil Sharma was a prize catch for the BJP ahead of the 2017 Assembly poll when he resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP but now he is a villain for the party. The BJP had dubbed the defection of Anil Sharma a master stroke but had a lot to explain when it admitted Anil Sharma into the party and also gave him ticket from Mandi as his father Sukh Ram was convicted in a corruption case. Even the BJP had named Anil in its charge sheet against the Congress government. The BJP is loss of words to justify why it formed a coalition government with the Himachal Vikas Congress, headed by Sukh Ram, in 1998 and also inducted him in the Cabinet. Political expediency and opportunism have become an integral part of power politics and the BJP has no reason to have any grudge against Anil Sharma or seek his resignation from the BJP on moral grounds, said a Sukh Ram loyalist.

All eyes on sulking HNK

Political circles are rife with talks that the sulking BJP ticket-seeker HN Kashyap is weighing his options to contest as an Independent from Shimla.  Sources close to him say, “If Kashyap cannot win, he will dent the vote bank of the BJP’s Suresh Kashyap.” These talks have gained credence in Shimla, considering HNK is keeping a distance from all BJP functions. HNK had toured extensively in Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts, hoping to get ticket. “Even if he gets more than 10,000 votes, this number  is enough to mar the chances of the BJP, claim his supporters.  So all eyes are set on HNK’s next move. 

Spectacles, a talking point

The spectacles of a senior BJP leader are the point of discussion in political circles today. Leaders talk of simple living, however, when it comes to enjoying luxuries, they cannot resist the temptations. Some are saying the spectacles of the leader are identical to one used by the PM. Some defend him saying that these just look like those used by the PM but are comparatively cheap. The spectacles have added a little spice into otherwise dull election campaign in Kangra.

Cong campaign listless 

BJP is way ahead in its poll campaign and its well-organised media team is also efficient. The Congress has also lagged behind in finalising ticket for the four seats. While its media wing has not made its presence felt yet, the sole news sent to the media pertained to poll-related appointments. Things came to such a pass that the Congress media team sent a previous day’s press note to mediapersons while failing to send even a word about their state in charge Rajni Patil’s visit to Solan district a few days ago. Even when Patil was communicated about the blunder, things failed to improve. One wondered have they lost the will? Poll results will prove!