Call it the will to lead or the wish to prove their might, the experienced lot won’t ever allow next gen leaders to light the way. Since things are changing faster than it was expected, the present Himachali youth wants to see new, younger faces who could project their sensibilities and aspirations when needed. While the BJP is still following the time-honored mantra of relying on the old guns to fire without fail, Congress seems vigilant enough to sense the pulse of young voters. Accordingly, from Shimla district, it has fielded four young, dynamic candidates who seem determined enough to depose their opponents.

Former Congress MLA Rohit Thakur has his chances against the Horticulture Minister Narinder Bragta from Jubbal-Kotkhai. Since BJP government couldn’t do much for Jubbal-Kotkhai region in five years, chances of Rohit Thakur emerging victorious this time are looking possible. Anirudh Singh, Congress, will compete against his BJP opponent Prem Thakur, Kuldeep Tanwar CPM, Khushi Ram Balnahta HLP. Other young guns include Subhash Manglate from Chopal and Harish Janartha from Shimla (Urban).

So, it’s going to be a tough call for the aged politicians to sideline or overtake the youth who want their young representatives stand for their cause and give a projection to their voices. With unemployment, inflation and corruption being the core issues, it’s the young leaders who could be a better choice this time around.