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‘BJP should announce its CM candidate in poll-bound Himachal’

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Former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal cites a ‘flawed ticket distribution’ process as the main reason behind BJP’s loss in the last election

With the assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh round the corner, two-time chief minister and veteran BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal is of the view that the party should announce its CM candidate soon. In an interview with Assistant Editor Pragya Kaushika, 73-year-old Dhumal cited a ‘flawed ticket distribution’ process as the main reason behind BJP’s loss in the last election and stressed the need to choose the right candidates. Excerpts:

Have the issues on which previous elections were fought undergone any major change?

In the past, issues that were raise had an emotional appeal. For instance, in the early 1970s, ‘Garibi Hatao’ was an election slogan. Then, Emergency became a major issue in 1977 and the Janata Party came to power. In the next two decades, Bofors, Ram Mandir and Kargil War remained hot picks for political parties.

In 2004, the ‘India Shining’ slogan did not work as people rejected it. The BJP was not seen as an alternative to the Congress until 2014 when Narendra Modi’s campaign, highlighting corruption in the UPA government, became a big hit.

After 2014, the narrative has changed.

What is, in your opinion, the main reason behind BJP’s loss in the last assembly elections in Himachal?

Last time, the ticket distribution was flawed. Many deserving candidates were denied tickets and voters chose the Congress. I hope this time, whosoever distributes the tickets, will choose right candidates.

Do you think BJP should go to polls with a CM face?

We have been going to polls with a CM face since 1982. Himachal is a small state where people would want to know who they could approach in time of need. That’s why it’s important to declare a CM candidate. However, the final decision will be taken by the high command.

You have seen the organisation up-close for many years. Do you think with Amit Shah’s strategies have changed the way the party functions?

Now, everybody is supposed to perform. The party has gone through changes at various levels. Now, we are registering our presence through opening of new offices in districts. There are so many programmes being held in the state. The morale of the cadres is high. There has been an effort towards modernisation. The door-to-door outreach programme is on in full swing.

Do you think demonetisation has had any impact on the party?

People in Himachal have supported demonetisation. They welcomed the step. This could be gauged from the fact that we have won in every election, be it in gram panchayat or Shimla Nagar Nigam. It is the first time that BJP has secured posts of mayor and deputy mayor.

What could be the next big issue other than the alleged corruption in the Congress government and law and order in the state?

State elections could be seen as a referendum on the Centre. Performance of the central government will be put to test. We had faced many troubles when the Congress was in power at the Centre. Thanks to the Modi government, Himachal has received the highest financial assistance under 14th finance commission. It was the lowest during the Congress rule. However, our performance when we were in power last time will be compared with the incumbent Congress regime.

What are the other problems that BJP government in Himachal had faced when Congress was at the Centre?

The biggest setback was the withdrawal of its “special category” status under which Himachal used to get 90 per cent grant from the Centre. The Modi government has restored it to us.

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