Independents hold the key in Kullu

Abhinav Vashisht

kULLU, JANUARY 12

There is uncertainty for the posts of president and vice-president in the Kullu Municipal Committee as of 11, three seats each are secured by Congress and BJP-supported candidates, while four Independents and one CPM-supported candidate have won.

Asha Mahant won as an Independent from ward number one from where the Congress had not fielded any candidate and she is likely to support the Congress. Congress rebel Kubja Thakur secured victory from ward number 2. Independents Raj Kumar and Chandan Premi had remained victorious from ward number 5 and 9. Rajesh Thakur of the CPM won from ward number 7.

Congress stalwart and former MC vice-president Gopal Krishan Mahant has made a claim for the president with the support of Congress candidates Nirmala and Amina Raj Gaur immediately after the declaration of the results. Asha Mahant is also supporting the Congress and is likely to support Gopal. He claimed that all Independents will join hands with the party.

BJP candidate Danvender Singh is also in the fray for the coveted post with the support of two BJP-supported candidates, Shalini Rai and Umapal. Danvender is the son of BJP stalwart and former MP Maheshwar Singh and had contested the MC elections for the first time. The BJP will try to woo the Independents.

It will be interesting to see whom the Independents will support. Efforts are being made by both parties for the top posts.

While the BJP-supported candidates have gained majority in three of the four civic bodies of Manali, Bhuntar and Banjar, the fate of the Kullu MC lies in the hands of the Independent. This is for the first time in the Kullu MC that the Independents have secured more seats than the Congress and the BJP.