Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu Celebrates Wife Kamlesh Thakur’s Landmark Bypoll Victory in BJP Stronghold

In a significant political development, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu celebrated his wife Kamlesh Thakur's remarkable victory in the Dehra Assembly seat during the recent bypolls. This win marks a historic moment as it is the first time in 25 years that the Congress party has secured a victory in this constituency, which has been a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Kamlesh Thakur, in her electoral debut, defeated BJP candidate Hoshiyar Singh by a notable margin of 9,399 votes. Thakur garnered 32,737 votes, while Singh received 23,338 votes. The three Independent candidates in this seat failed to secure even 200 votes each, indicating a clear preference for the major party candidates among the electorate. Out of the 86,520 registered voters in the Dehra Assembly segment, 65.42% exercised their right to vote on July 10, underscoring a robust turnout.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his elation over his wife's victory, terming it a "historic" win. He highlighted the significance of the Congress reclaiming the Dehra seat after a prolonged period, attributing the success to the people's power overcoming the money power and political conspiracies of the BJP. Sukhu also criticized the three Independent MLAs who had resigned a few months prior, leading to the by-elections. He suggested that their resignations were unnecessary and that they could have allied with the BJP without stepping down.

"The people of Himachal have defeated money power by supporting people power and have given a befitting reply to the political conspiracy of BJP," Sukhu stated. He emphasized that the electorate's decision was a clear message against political poaching and an affirmation of democratic principles.

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Context of the Bypolls

The bypolls were necessitated following the resignation of three Independent MLAs who had previously supported the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls on February 27. Their resignations were accepted by the Speaker on June 3, and they subsequently joined the BJP. The BJP had fielded these former Independents as its official candidates in the by-elections.

The bypolls took place across three assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh—Dehra, Hamirpur, and Nalagarh. The Congress's performance was commendable as it secured victories in two of these traditionally BJP-dominated constituencies. This result signifies a substantial shift in voter sentiment and is a major boost for the Congress party in the state.

Implications and Reactions

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu articulated the broader implications of the bypoll results, stating that the electorate's decision was a rejection of attempts to undermine democracy through power and influence. He noted that the victory in Dehra was part of a strategic move to strengthen Congress's presence in the Kangra region, aiming to increase the number of MLAs from the valley from nine to ten.

Congratulating Kamlesh Thakur, Sukhu said, "Hearty congratulations to Congress candidate Kamlesh Thakur ji from Dehra assembly constituency for registering a historic victory in the assembly by-election and heartfelt gratitude to the respected voters." He also conveyed his gratitude to the voters, emphasizing that the election outcome was a testament to their awareness and determination to protect democratic values.

Kamlesh Thakur, acknowledging her victory, credited the party leaders and workers who campaigned tirelessly. "The party leaders and workers worked day and night for this day... I will give all credit to the people who stood by the party throughout... I am proud of the people of Dehra," she remarked.

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Future Prospects

The bypoll results have not only boosted the morale of the Congress party but have also set the stage for future political contests in Himachal Pradesh. The win in Dehra, along with the overall performance in the by-elections, signals a potential shift in the political landscape, challenging the BJP's dominance in the region.

In conclusion, Kamlesh Thakur's victory in the Dehra Assembly seat is more than just a personal triumph; it is a significant milestone for the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh. It underscores the electorate's desire for change and a commitment to democratic principles, setting a precedent for the upcoming electoral battles in the state.

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