Himachal bypoll: Bragta to dent BJP vote bank, Rohit Thakur to benefit

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 28

The Jubbal-Kotkhai Assembly byelection is set for a keen triangular contest. The presence of BJP rebel Chetan Bragta in the fray as an Independent candidate is bound to make a dent in the ruling party’s vote bank.

There has been a virtual revolt in the Jubbal-Kotkhai BJP Mandal as all office-bearers deserted the party over the denial of ticket to Chetan Bragta, leaving it in an awkward position. Chetan, son of former minister Narinder Bragta, was denied the ticket at the last minute, angering party workers and evoking sympathy.

The turmoil in the BJP is bound to benefit Congress candidate Rohit Thakur, who is hoping to romp home comfortably. Rohit, grandson of former Chief Minister Ram Lal Thakur, is a mild mannered and affable person. He has a political legacy, which he has protected ably. As such, the fight though seems triangular is primarily between Rohit Thakur and Chetan Bragta; BJP candidate Neelam Saraik is clearly lagging behind. The revolt in the party has left her practically without any organisational backup.

The resentment among apple farmers is also haunting the BJP. Narinder Bragta, a former Horticulture Minister, had vociferously raised issues concerning the apple growers. Adverse remarks by Horticulture Minister Mahender Singh on apple marketing had enraged apple growers, who could give vent to their anger in the byelection.