Though BJP managed to settle the issue of ticket allotment in Dehra and Jwalamukhi but it has created another mess as Kripal Parmar, former Rajya Sabha MP and a strong contender for the ticket from Dehra, has decided to jump into the fray as an Independent to oppose Ravinder Ravi’s candidature.
With the latest rebellion in Dehra, the ruling BJP is faced with revolt in almost 15 Assembly segments in the state. Parmar, a staunch Dhumal loyalist, had been working in the Dehra segment for the past two years and with the party fielding Ravi, he has decided to contest as an Independent nominee.
The situation in Indora constituency in Kangra too is likely to be problematic with sitting MLA, Des Raj having been denied the ticket. He had been seeking the ticket for his son and he is now likely to queer the pitch for the party nominee, Reeta Dhiman.
The BJP is likely to face open rebellion even in Sundernagar in Mandi where former minister and sitting BJP legislator, Roop Singh has been denied the ticket. He too had sought the party ticket for his son. In Nachan constituency in Mandi, Dile Ram, sitting BJP MLA, has already resigned from the party and is likely to contest as an Independent.
Assembly Speaker Tulsi Ram, who has been denied the ticket from Bharmour, is also likely to field his wife Leela Sharma, a zila parishad member, against the official party nominee, Jiya Lal.
Kinnuar MLA, Tejwant Negi is facing flakes from former MLA Chet Ram as he has also announced to contest poll as an Independent.
In the Kangra constituency too, giving of the party ticket to Sanjay Chaudhary, sitting MLA who won on the BSP ticket to join the BJP later, could also lead to rebellion by a strong aspirant, Pawan Kajal.
Former BJP candidate from Rampur Birj Lal has already joined the Congress and party MLA from Rohru Khushi Ram Balnahta has not only quit the BJP but decided to contest from Kasumpti on Himachal Lokhit Party ticket.
Even rebellion have not left the home district of Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal untouched as his once staunch supporter, Rajinder Rana, has decided to jump into the fray as an Independent, opposing candidature of Urmil Thakur from Suajnpur and has decided to fight election as an independent.
Voices of dissent could mar chances of BJP candidates in several other constituencies including Kullu, Chamba, Chopal, Nahan and Bilapsur as well. In Chopal, supporters of Amit Singh Chauhan protesting against the official candidate Seema Mehta and demanded to change the ticket. Even Chopal Block BJP members have resigned from the party post and threaten to field Amit Singh Chauhan as an independent candidate, if party didn’t heed to their demands.
