Arki bypoll: Two-time MLA Govind Ram Sharma keen to fight, BJP in a fix

Solan, August 5

A simmering discontent brewing in the Arki BJP could cause the party dear in the Assembly byelection.

While the party is yet to declare its candidate, two names are prominently doing the rounds. Rattan Pal, chairman, State Cooperative Development Federation, who had unsuccessfully contested the last poll against the Congress stalwart Virbahdra Singh, is considered the party’s obvious choice.

His candidature is being challenged by two-term former MLA Govind Ram Sharma who has openly declared his willingness to contest the poll. He said, “I am sure that the party will consider my candidature. I was denied a ticket last time despite being a sitting MLA and I followed the party’s decision and worked for the party’s victory.” The demand to give him the party ticket has also been raised by the Arki Kalyan Manch.

A section in the party is annoyed with Rattan Pal who they say had been given the ticket without having any electoral experience. He has failed to emerge as a leader who could take others along, they said. — TNS