In his first stint as the Chief Minister, Dhumal’s pro-development initiatives, especially in the power sector, were lauded. Roads also got a facelift and the education sector witnessed some noticeable improvements.

In his latest term, several new schools and other educational institutions have come up in the state. Among them are the HP Technical University and the State Institute of Food Craft.

Dhumal is described as a leader who has focussed on rail and road transport, education and health sectors, while striving for self-dependency for the hilly state. One of his noticeable initiatives has been the setting up of a voluntary environmental fund.

The BJP’s party structure is considered to be efficient and strong in Himachal Pradesh, something which could help Dhumal win an easy re-election in 2012. Also, the BJP has already named the articulate leader as its chief ministerial candidate for a third term.

This time around, Dhumal is contesting from the Hamirpur Assembly seat after Bamsan was denotified following the re-allotment of constituencies. He is pitted against ex-BJP president Narender Thakur, who has switched his loyalties from BJP to Congress. Thakur is the son of late BJP loyalist Jagdev Chand Thakur.