Just a couple of days back we talked about the electoral battle in Nahan wherein four MLAs are trying their fate in the forthcoming assembly elections. Today, we shift our focus to Shimla constituency where the pursuit to win people’s confidence is even more vigorous as there are seven faces in the fray. The candidates include, Suresh Bhardwaj, sitting BJP MLA, Harish Janartha (Congress), Tikender Panwar from CPM who currently holds the seat of Shimla deputy mayor, Radha Raman Shastri (NCP), Tarsem Bharati as independent candidate, Sita Ram Dhiman (BSP) and Surender Kumar (Himachal Swabhiman Party).
While there are seven candidates in the elections, the main battle seems to be fought between Suresh Bharadwaj, Harish Janartha and Tikender Panwar. While the chances for the rest of the candidates are bleak, Radha Raman Shastri and Tarsem Bharati can make a big difference to BJP and Congress. On the other hand, after losing last two battles with narrow margins, CPM might fight back since the party surprised everyone in the Municipal elections by clinching Mayor and Deputy Mayor Posts. So, this has certainly boosted up the morale of the CPM workers to go for a big goal this time.
However, just giving a quick look to the records, Shimla voters have proved themselves politically mature and wiser in weighing the political candidates for the last two decades and records show that Shimla electorates haven’t allowed two consecutive terms to any candidate since BJP denied ticket to late Daulat Ram Chauhan who won four elections 1967 in succession. Would that mean the election is to be fought between two candidates only? Well, that’s too early to say. However, the battle in the queen of hill is tight rope walking for the political candidates. We would surely like to see who that strongest shoulder is that queen of hills chooses this time to make it even more beautiful.
