BJP registers thumping win in Jogindra bank elections

In a major setback for the ruling Congress, the Opposition BJP scored a decisive victory in the Jogindra Central Co-operative Bank elections by clinching four of the six director posts declared today.

Among the winners were four former chairmen — Vijay Thakur, Sanjeev Kaushal, Laj Kishore and Yogesh Bhartiya — who secured victories from the Kandaghat, Doon, Dharampur and Nalagarh zones, respectively. While Kaushal and Bhartiya won unopposed, Vijay Thakur defeated Congress’ Rajesh Thakur in Kandaghat, a segment under Solan MLA and senior cabinet minister Dr DR Shandil. In Solan zone, BJP’s Laxmi pulled off a notable upset by defeating Congress stalwart and former chairman Mohan Mehta.

The Kunihar zone was the lone consolation for the Congress where Roshan Lal prevailed over BJP’s Kiran Kaundal and an Independent candidate in a triangular fight. The result was seen as a reaffirmation of the influence of Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi, who consolidated party unity in the region.

The Congress’ failure to even field a candidate in Nalagarh, where BJP’s Yogesh Bhartiya was elected unanimously, drew sharp criticism. This was particularly striking since the constituency is represented by Congress MLA Hardeep Bawa. Despite Congress holding all five Assembly seats in Solan district — Kasauli, Doon, Nalagarh, Solan and Kandaghat — it could not secure victories in any of these zones — Solan, Kandaghat, Nalagarh and Kasauli.

Observers also pointed to the ineffective performance of the bank’s chairman Mukesh Sharma, under whose watch Congress could not ensure the victory of its directors. The outcome now sets the stage for a crucial contest over the posts of chairman and vice-chairman. These will be decided not only by the six directors but also by four government nominees, the bank’s Managing Director and a representative of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank.

Reacting to the results, BJP spokesperson Vivek Sharma termed the defeat “a reflection of poor leadership” of minister Dr. Shandil. “Both Solan and Kandaghat zones, part of his constituency, have slipped away for the second consecutive term. He should resign on moral grounds,” Sharma said.