Cong aggressive, BJP chances marred by undercutting in Arki

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, November 2

Several senior BJP leaders, including two Cabinet ministers, a former state president and state general secretary among other leaders failed to ensure the victory of Rattan Pal in Arki Aseembly by-election.

Former state president and Nahan MLA Dr Rajiv Bindal was the in-charge of the poll campaign while Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Rajiv Saizal was the co-incharge. Other senior leaders like Purshottam Guleria, who is in-charge of Shimla Lok Sabha, state general secretary Trilok Jamwal and Panchayati Raj Minister Virender Kanwar could do little to improve the chances of Rattan Pal.

Even tactics like alluring panchayat pradhans to join the BJP days before the polls failed to garner their support as they could do little to improve the prospects of Rattan Pal.

Facing opposition from within the party, Pal performed dismally as he did not secure a lead even in a single round out of the total 26 rounds. During the poll campaign, the BJP highlighted insignificant issues like presence of empty chairs in the Congress poll rallies. Its leaders failed to address issues like annoyance against Pal in the party cadres which cost it dear.

The Congress, on the other hand, carried on a systematic campaign where its leaders preferred to maintain contact with the masses. Former Congress Committee president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu campaigned effectively in the last few days and helped to muster the support of the voters in several key areas.

While a visible aggression and confidence was seen in the Congress campaign, the BJP’s campaign was marred by undercutting and lack of confidence though its leaders tried their best to win the favour of the voters.

Rattan Pal failed to impress the voters due to his poor oratory skills. He was no match for Sanjay Awasthy who not only attacked the government for its failures but humbly sough a chance to represent them in the Assembly.