Congress Plays Emotional Card in Dehra

Solan: In the political history of Himachal Pradesh, the Dehra Assembly constituency has become a battleground where personal ambitions are overshadowing public welfare and development. The situation has intensified with the entry of Kamlesh Thakur, the wife of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, into the fray, leading to a clash reminiscent of a family feud. Critics argue that Congress couldn’t find a suitable candidate from within its ranks, resorting instead to fielding the Chief Minister’s wife. This move has raised questions about the party’s internal strength and the leadership’s integrity.

Congress, known for playing emotional and divisive cards, is now writing a new chapter in Dehra’s history. The Chief Minister, perceived as a weak “Thakur,” is seen relying on his wife’s candidacy to maintain his political dominance. The stakes are high, as a loss for Kamlesh Thakur could trigger a contest for power within Congress, potentially leading to Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu being remembered as one of the weakest Chief Ministers in Himachal Pradesh’s history.

The campaign is filled with tactics of persuasion, rewards, and threats, yet it lacks genuine support from Congress workers. The party appears fully immersed in nepotism, while pressing issues like unemployment, women’s empowerment, and startup schemes are being neglected. These issues may ignite voter dissatisfaction, potentially melting down the ruling seat.

Critics argue that the Chief Minister is more focused on addressing his family’s unemployment, providing them with startups, and empowering his wife, rather than addressing the broader issues facing the state. This has led to disillusionment among Congress supporters, who are questioning the party’s commitment to true democratic principles and contemplating a shift in allegiance to the BJP.

The upcoming by-elections could mirror the recent Lok Sabha elections, where disenchanted Congress members shifted their support to the BJP. This trend reflects a deeper crisis within Congress, with its leadership struggling to maintain internal democracy and address the electorate’s pressing concerns.