Dharamsala: As Himachal braces itself for the crucial Assembly polls scheduled next year, the political mercury in the state has already started shooting up with several political heavyweights starting their homework to
ensure their tryst with luck this time.
In Congress, which looks for a comeback in the state, the
tussle for the future chief ministerial candidate has already
gained momentum as bigwigs like Union ministers Anand Sharma
and Vir Bhadra Singh are trying their best to prove themselves
as the most suitable candidates for state`s top post, said
political analysts.
Ahead of the polls due early next year, both the
political stalwarts are running against each other in the race
of supremacy over the state`s political arena, they said.
Five-time chief minister Singh, who had recently held a
rally in Jawali of Kangra and in Una, will host a get-together
in Shimla tomorrow to celebrate his 50 years in politics but
according to analysts, it as a show of strength.
Singh, who has constantly attacked the state leadership
for failing to play the role of an effective opposition, has
invited all MLAs, ex-MLAs and other party leaders to his
residence on April 10.
The former CM will also be addressing a rally in Palampur
on April 14 and it is seen as a show of strength by his
loyalists over there.
His supporters have also decided to hold a massive rally
in Shimla on May 5 to honour him for his contribution to the
party in the last 50 years.
Singh had recently claimed that he had the strength to
bring back Congress to power in the state.
Meanwhile, Sharma also seems to be in no mood to trail
back and will be organising a party rally in Kangra tomorrow,
interestingly the same day Singh is holding his get-together
in an apparent move to display the chunk of support he enjoys
in the state.
"A rousing reception awaits Sharma when he arrives in
Kangra on a two-day visit to address a rally in Jawali
Assembly constituency and lay the foundation stone of an
office of the Regional Tea Board at Palampur," Congress MLA G
S Bali said.
He, however, rejects the speculations of factionalism
within the state unit, claiming that the entire party was
united to fight the crucial polls.
"There are no camps in the party. The party is working
under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and all congress leaders
are united and shall gather in unity in Palampur," he said.
PTI
