Mud-slinging overshadows local issues in Himachal Assembly Bypolls

With only six days left for the bypolls in Himachal Pradesh's three assembly seats, the focus on local issues like unemployment in Hamirpur and the water crisis in Dehra has faded. Instead, the ruling Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are engaged in a blame game. Both Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur have been attacking each other during their campaigns.

Youth concerns and political accusations

In Hamirpur, the youth have repeatedly raised concerns about unemployment, while Dehra is waiting for solutions to its water crisis and the construction of a Central University campus. However, these important issues are being overshadowed by political mud-slinging as both parties launch daily attacks on each other. Winning these three bypolls is crucial for the stability of the Congress government, which is why the party has fielded the CM’s wife, Kamlesh Thakur, in Dehra.

ALSO READ: Kullu emerges as top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh

CM Sukhu, leading the Congress campaign, has accused former CM Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP leaders of spreading lies. During a campaign event in Hamirpur, Sukhu claimed that Jai Ram halted development in the area to weaken Prem Kumar Dhumal, the declared CM candidate in 2017, who was defeated in what Sukhu calls a conspiracy.

Blame game continues

The BJP has countered by accusing CM Sukhu of nepotism, claiming that he has allowed a small group of close associates to control the government. BJP state unit chief Rajeev Bindal, speaking in Dehra, alleged that Sukhu’s inner circle is running the show.

Both parties also blame each other for the necessity of these bypolls. The Congress argues that independent MLAs betrayed the public mandate by selling themselves, while Jai Ram Thakur claims the bypolls resulted from Sukhu’s “dictatorship,” which pushed independents to resign. The Congress further alleges that the BJP and independent MLAs have engaged in horse-trading to destabilize the government.

ALSO READ: Himachal CM Sukhu: Jai Ram Thakur's statement on CPS appointment is contempt of Court

CM Sukhu, addressing a gathering in Hamirpur, accused former independent legislator and now BJP candidate Ashish Sharma of conspiring to topple the government. Sukhu claims to have proof, stating that a case has been registered against Sharma, who was also involved in Operation Lotus.

According to Harish Kumar Thakur from Himachal Pradesh University, the electoral campaign has reached an "all-time low," with personal attacks and rivalries taking precedence over key issues that a democratic setup should address.