Caste plays pivotal role in getting party’s ticket in HP

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Caste plays an important role while finalizing strategy to win the election in Kangra distrct, which is politically important because it has 15 assembly seats, in upcoming assembly election of Himachal Pradesh. As 13 assembly election of HP date is inching closer caste equation are being used by the tentative candidates and their supporters.

Probable candidates are using all permutation and combination to show their candidature strong before the party high command. Even party senior leaders are reviewing their caste equation. As we know that Thakurs are dominating in Kangra dstrict and having population of 34 percent of total vote bank and followed by OBC and Brahmin having vote banks of 34 and 20 percent respectively. Remaining 14 percent of voters belong to gaddi, gujja tribal and schedule caste.

Source said that party top brass is trying to maintain a balance between the dominating castes before announcing the candidates name for the seat. They will give due representation to Rajpur, Brahmin, OBC and Gaddi caste leaders to ensure their party performance during election.

Gajendra Singh said that caste equation is mandatory because strong family tie up and kinship increase the candidates’ victory prospect during election. If party ignores it then they will have to pay its price. It is true that candidates win but eventually party forms government on the basis of majority. If you give ticket to the genuine candidate whosoever having good rapport among voters will convince voter with the help of their kith and kins.

Ironically congress do not have any renowned Rajput leader in Kangra district except minister Sujjan Singh Pathania. He could not expand his aura across the Kangra district because he confined himself within his own assembly constituency. Other leader Vijay Singh Mankotia may be a strong leader of this district but he was sidelined due to rivalry within party while former chief minister Prem kumar dhumal is also icon of Rajput leader. Although Kangra MP & BJP leader  Shanta kumar is being known as tallest Brahmin leader of the state. Now Brahmin has coined a slogan ab ki bari panditjee. Although leaders are relying on caste equation because it has proven that personal relations of candidates and leader’s performance play crucial role during election. For instance Sat Mahajan had won the lok sabha seat despite his caste had marginal presence here. During assembly election congress leader & Brahmin leader GS Bali has been winning winning from Nagrota bagwan four consecutive terms having 52 percent OBC voters.