From the Editor’s Desk

Acid Test Begins

Himachal is not far away from Bharatiya Janata Party’s radar as recent election results have given a new direction to the politics of change. The Congress, though, would like to replicate party’s victory in Punjab in Himachal also. The BJP’s hopes in this hilly state have also risen due to party’s high morale at the national level. The state unit will try to gain momentum during Congress’s remaining tenure whereas the ruling party will have to put up a united face now. The BJP is regaining its strength in the run up to Bhoranj bye-election that will be an acid test for the Congress. Next general elections will be held at least six months after of this bye-election and the Congress will try to utilise this period to turn the tide in its favour. Himachal has its own independent electoral behaviour as common people are politically more awakened here. The parties will have to understand the changing political scenario here also. Results will be expected on the pattern of Uttar Pradesh that has generated a wave for change. However, Himachalis are also known to write their own script when it comes to elections. For example, the fall of Shanta Kumar government on Ram Temple issue went in favour of the Congress in the past. Development will be main issue as regionalism, apple belt and employee-friendly issues will be relegated to the backstage. Himachal had been witnessing the impact of state’s relations with former prime ministers; be it in the form of full statehood or industrial growth due to a package granted to this state. Tribal areas would still have been cut off from rest of the world had Atal Behari Vajpayee not understood the importance of Rohtang tunnel. Union Surface Transport and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari too has envisaged Himachal’s progress through Centre, notwithstanding, the delay in implementation of schemes. The state will witness aggressive postures of the BJP and its national president Amit Shah in next six months. Changes effected in the BJP and its working will be reflected in state’s politics. Some of the senior leaders will definitely have to pave the way for young leaders in their respective parties. It remains to be seen whether Himachal’s political history will make upcoming assembly elections difficult or the BJP finds it easy due to its massive victory in Uttar Pradesh.

Thought of the Week

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

-Confucius

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