Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 7: Constituencies, Powerful candidates

As the democratic process unfolds across India, Himachal Pradesh gears up for the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, marking another crucial moment in the nation’s electoral landscape. This phase, encompassing a significant portion of Himachal Pradesh, holds immense importance in shaping the political trajectory of the state.

Voting Date and Number of Seats

The voting date for the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 is set to take place on June 1. In this phase, voters from four parliamentary constituencies across Himachal Pradesh will head to the polls: Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Shimla. Each of these constituencies plays a crucial role in determining the state’s representation in the Indian Parliament.

Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 7 constituencies

Key Contests

In the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024 in Himachal Pradesh, these constituencies will see intriguing contests:

1. Mandi Constituency:
   • Vikramaditya Singh of the Indian National Congress (INC) faces off against Kangana Ranaut, who represents the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This contest not only symbolizes political diversity but also captures public attention due to the involvement of the renowned actress Kangana Ranaut, adding a unique dimension to the electoral dynamics of the region.
2. Shimla (SC) Constituency:
   • Vinod Sultanpuri from INC competes against Suresh Kumar Kashyap. These contests highlight the varying political landscapes within Himachal Pradesh, as candidates vie for the trust and mandate of the electorate, promising to address their concerns and aspirations at the national level after winning in the Lok Sabha Election 2024.
3. Hamirpur Constituency: In Hamirpur, Anurag Thakur (BJP) seeks re-election, facing competition from Satpal Raizada(INC). The constituency has seen significant development in recent years, and voters will decide whether to continue with the incumbent or opt for change in Lok Sabha Election 2024.
4. Kangra Constituency: Kangra, the largest constituency in terms of voters, witnesses a fierce battle between Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj (BJP) and Anand Sharma (INC). Both candidates have been actively campaigning in Lok Sabha Election 2024, addressing local issues such as agriculture, infrastructure, and employment.

Socio-political conditions in these constituencies

The socio-political conditions in the Lok Sabha Election 2024 for constituencies of Kangra, Hamirpur, and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh are quite interesting:

1. Kangra Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • Kangra is one of the four Lok Sabha constituencies in Himachal Pradesh. It encompasses a significant portion of the state, including Churah, Chamba, Dalhousie, and other assembly segments.
   • Historically, Kangra has been a stronghold for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the 2019 elections, Kishan Kapoor (BJP) emerged victorious, securing 72.02% of the votes. His main opponent was Pawan Kajal from the Indian National Congress (INC), who received 24.59% of the votes.
   • The socio-political landscape in Kangra reflects the broader trends in Himachal Pradesh, with issues related to agriculture, infrastructure, and employment being crucial for voters.

2. Hamirpur Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • Hamirpur, another significant constituency, has traditionally been a BJP stronghold. Anurag Thakur, a prominent national figure, has won this seat four times consecutively.
   • In recent times, political dynamics have shifted due to the resignation of independent MLAs and the disqualification of Congress MLAs. These events triggered by-elections alongside the general elections on June 1, 2024. The stakes are high for both the BJP and Congress in retaining or gaining this seat.
   • Voters in Hamirpur are concerned about local development, healthcare, and education.

3. Shimla (SC) Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a unique constituency that includes three districts: Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan. It has 17 Vidhan Sabha seats.
   • The BJP has historically performed well here, with Suresh Kumar Kashyap currently representing the constituency. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 66.35% of the votes, while the INC received 30.5%.
   • Shimla’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and voters prioritize issues related to infrastructure, environment, and livelihoods.
4. Mandi Lok Sabha Constituency:

• The Mandi Lok Sabha constituency encompasses a diverse and expansive geographic area, spanning from Bharmour to Kinnaur. It includes 17 Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) seats.
• Mandi has traditionally leaned towards the Congress, but it voted for the BJP in the last two elections.

Himachal Pradesh Phase 7 constituencies: Key Election Issues

Let’s delve into the major issues in the Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election 2024:

1. Unemployment:
   • Key Issue: The issue of unemployment remains at the forefront. Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition have engaged in a discourse around employment opportunities.
   • Comparison with Previous Regime: The BJP has cited data to compare its performance against the previous UPA regime, emphasizing its efforts to address unemployment concerns.
2. Inflation:
   • Impact on Voters: Rising inflation rates have affected the cost of living for citizens. Voters are closely monitoring how political parties address this economic challenge during the election campaign.
3. Agniveer Scheme in Hamirpur:
   • Context: The Agniveer scheme has emerged as a significant issue in the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency.
   • This scheme is particularly relevant to ex-servicemen and serving soldiers in the region.
   • Congress’ Stance: The Congress party has promised to scrap the Agniveer scheme, alleging that it deprives youth of regular jobs in the army and pension.
4. Tourism Promotion:
   • Given Himachal Pradesh’s reliance on tourism, candidates discussed strategies to promote tourism and attract more visitors.
   • Ecotourism, sustainable practices, and preserving natural beauty were part of this discourse.
5. Agriculture and Farming:
   • The state’s economy heavily depends on agriculture. Candidates debated policies to support farmers, improve crop yield, and address challenges like water scarcity.
   • Organic farming, irrigation, and crop diversification were key points.
6. Youth Employment and Education:
   • Candidates highlighted the need for skill development, job creation, and quality education to empower the youth.
   • Technical institutes, vocational training centers, and employment opportunities were discussed.
7. Environment and Climate Change:
   • With Himachal’s fragile ecosystem, candidates addressed concerns about deforestation, glacial melting, and climate resilience.
   • Renewable energy, forest conservation, and disaster preparedness were part of the discourse. .
8. Electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities were also crucial issues, especially in rural areas.

These issues will play a crucial role in shaping the electoral outcome in Himachal Pradesh.

Voter Turnout in Lok Sabha Election 2019

Let’s take a look at the historic voter turnout in the Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election for the constituencies of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Shimla:

1. Kangra Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Kangra parliamentary seat witnessed a voter turnout of 69.45%.
   • This constituency, with 12.58 lakh voters, including 6.45 lakh male voters and 6.12 lakh female voters, plays a crucial role in shaping Himachal Pradesh’s political landscape.
2. Mandi Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • Mandi, historically known as “Little Kashi,” saw an impressive voter turnout of 73.46% in the 2019 elections.
   • With a population nearing 1 million, Mandi thrives as a vibrant hub for trade, agriculture, and tourism. Apple cultivation, silk production, and herbal products contribute significantly to its local economy.
3. Hamirpur Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • Hamirpur, known as the “land of the brave” due to the sacrifices of soldiers from the region, had a voter turnout of 66.4% in 2019.
   • This constituency, with 12.47 lakh voters, primarily relies on agriculture, small-scale industries, and educational institutions.
4. Shimla (SC) Lok Sabha Constituency:
   • The Shimla constituency, reserved for Scheduled Castes, witnessed a voter turnout of 72.68% in 2019.

These voter turnouts reflect the active participation of citizens in shaping their representation in the Indian Parliament.

Political Landscape in Himachal Pradesh

Key Players

The primary political forces in Himachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Election 2024 are the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two parties have been dominant in the state’s political arena, shaping its governance and policies.

Regional Divides

Himachal Pradesh’s politics are closely associated with regional divisions within the state. These divisions influence electoral dynamics, candidate selection, and policy priorities. The state can be broadly divided into:

• Upper Himachal: Consisting of districts like Shimla, Sirmaur, and parts of Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Solan, Kinnaur, and Chamba.
• Lower Himachal: Encompassing districts like Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, and the lower region of Mandi district.

These regional differences impact voting patterns and political affiliations.

Recent Developments

Recently, the state witnessed a political crisis during the Rajya Sabha elections. The ruling Congress faced a setback as the BJP secured victory in the lone Rajya Sabha seat. This outcome led to murmurs of a possible rebellion within the Congress legislators.

The Bypolls and CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

For Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the upcoming bypolls hold greater significance than the parliamentary elections. His campaign style has been marked by strong language, referring to rebels as “kaale naag (black cobras)” and emphasizing that “money power will be defeated, people’s power will win” (his pet slogan). The six rebels, who previously crossed party lines, are now contesting on BJP tickets, adding tension to the political landscape.

Despite the challenges, Sukhu’s government maintains stability, with the current numbers favoring him. However, as the bypolls approach, his attacks on the rebel MLAs have intensified. The by-elections on six seats will coincide with the Lok Sabha Election 2024 in the 7th and final phase on June 1, 2024.