Resentment brewing, BJP convenes meet tomorrow

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 20

In view of the resentment brewing in the BJP following recommendations of the core committee to re-nominate all four sitting MPs for the Lok Sabha elections, the party high command has decided to deliberate on the issue.

BJP president Amit Shah has convened meeting of Central Election Committee after Holi on March 22 and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, state party chief Satpal Singh Satti and general secretary (organisation) Pawan Rana are leaving for Delhi to attend the meeting.

Some ticket aspirants, including Hira Nand Kashyap, head of election cell of the party, have cautioned that re-nomination of sitting MP Varinder Kashyap from Shimla can be detrimental to interest of the party. The names of Suresh Kashyap, MLA from Pachhad and Shashi Bala from Rohroo are also taking rounds for Shimla seat.

Former Union minister and tallest leader of Mandi Sukh Ram is demanding BJP ticket for his grandson, Ashray Sharma while former MP Maheshwar Singh and Brig Khushal Singh are also in the run putting spokes in re-nomination of sitting member Ramswaroop Sharma. Sukh Ram is reportedly in Delhi, lobbying for BJP ticket for Ashray.

The Congress has also not decided its candidate and in case former chief minister Virbhadra Singh agrees to contest from Mandi, the BJP would have to field some strong candidate against him. The BJP is waiting for the Congress list to be out to formally announce the candidate, insiders say.

Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister Santa Kumar (84) has reportedly expressed willingness to seek re-election from Kangra but a section of party leaders are unhappy and demanding ticket for some new face.