BJP grabs 2 top Solan ZP posts

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, February 1

Ramesh Thakur and Kamlesh Kumari of the BJP were elected chairman and vice-chairman of the Zila Parishad in Solan district today. Of the 17 Zila Parishad members, 14 supported their candidatures while the Congress failed to even put up a contest. The Congress has only two members in the civic body.

Besides seven BJP members, seven Independent members supported the candidatures of Ramesh and Kamlesh. Four BJP rebels had won as Independents and it was clear that they would support the party as no disciplinary action was taken against them for contesting against the official nominees.

Ramesh had won the election from the Darwa ward in Kasauli tehsil while Kamlesh, a BJP rebel, had won from the Ratwari ward in Ramsheher tehsil.

Trilok Jambal, BJP’s general secretary and in-charge of Zila Parishad poll, said that united efforts by the party helped register the overwhelming victory. He attributed the victory to the people-friendly policies of the state and Central governments.

Jamwal played a key role to rope in Independent candidates, including BJP rebels, many of whom had ambitions to secure both key posts. The party was in a ticklish situation to appease senior leaders who had won as rebels and also ensure that they support the official nominees.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Rajiv Saizal, party secretary Payal Vaid, district president Ashutosh Vaid, and vice-president Purshottam Guleria were present on the occasion.

A victory rally was later taken out in Solan town. Saizal said that the party was hopeful of forming the government after the next Vidhan Sabha poll.

Meanwhile, the Congress has been dealt a severe blow in the elections. The party could win only two seats and its official candidates performed dismally in Srinagar, Bawasani, Salogra, Kunihar, Ratwari and Dhundan wards. The poor performance has triggered an internal strife in the party with leaders blaming each other for the debacle.