Page 21 - 31OCT2019E

politics

sure that the BJP will win
by a huge margin, not only
in Dharamshala, but also
in Pachhad. “Our fight
is not only to win but to
make a margin huge.” BJP
candidate Naiharia is in
the fray with the slogan
“Ab ki baar, bees hazar
par” (this time we will
cross 20,000 margin). The
one whose rebellion took
more votes will pose a
threat. This is the reason
that both the parties are
willingly telling the peo-
ple that voting the rebel
would be like a waste.
People in both con-
stituencies are still un-
clear but they are open in
admitting that they will
vote on local issues. Sarju
Sharma raised this NGO to deal with his tia. Shakun is also the vice president of Devi, a woman in Balmu Kheri village of
opponents within the party. Through the state Mahila Congress. It is believed Pachhad said, “Our problems are about
this organisation, Sudhir actually clev- that Mahila Congress President Zain- roads, drinking water and all. These are
erly gathered the women’s vote bank in ab Chandel lobbied for this meeting. the issues for us.”
his favor. BJP rebel and independent candidate In Khaniyaara, Dharamshala, Sunil
The purpose of making the rubru Rakesh Chaudhary also met Shakun. Kapoor said, “Both candidates are from
was to create a women’s vote bank Talking to the Tehelka Rubru MD our community (Gaddi).” We feel that
Sudhir is the chairman of this institu- Shakun Mankotia said that she is a this will divide community votes. One
tion while Shakun Mankotia is Manag- dedicated Congress worker. “I was who will get more votes from other
ing Director (MD). Rubru runs about 115 called by the state president Kuldeep communities will be benefited.” BJP MP
sewing centers in Dharamshala con- Rathore and I have had discussion Kishan Kapoor, is also from the Gaddi
tituency. In addition to conducting reli- on all issues.’’ Shakun says that she is community.
gious tours, Rubru opens bank account working wholeheartedly as a true sol- There is a clear triangular fight in
by contributing 1000 on the birth of dier of the Congress for the party’s can- Pachhad, which can turn the result on
every girl child in the constituency. The didate. Then she adds — “I would still either side. The BJP is confident of its
name of this program has been named like to clarify that our organization is victory as there is party government
“Aahan di Munni” (Our daughter). It has non-political.” in the state. Himachal BJP president
great popularity in the area. The challenge of rebels in Dharam- Satpal Satti said, “There is no such thing
It is believed that close to eight thou- shala is beeing faced by both BJP and like rebelian in both the constituencies.”
sand women are associated with Rubru. the Congress. Punish Padha is congress If any such complaint comes from the
Now right from congress to BJP and while Rakesh Chaudhary is BJP rebel. local units, strict action will be taken
independents are eyeing its support Another senior BJP leader Rajiv Bhard- against those who do so.’’ The party
base among the women in the area. The waj had also tried hard for the ticket enjoys great support of the people in
screw is that Sudhir Sharma has not in the BJP but he did not get success. both the constituencies and party is
openly campaigned for the Congress Bhardwaj is considered close to former going to win in both, addded Satti.
candidate yet. It is considered that he CM Shanta Kumar. He is currently the However, leader of opposition
is not happy the way Congress alotted chairman of Kangra Central Coopera- Mukesh Agnihotri said,’’ The BJP is
the ticket. tive Bank. going to loose badly. People are not
The importance of the organisation Bhardwaj, however, said that from happy and there is huge anger among
is proved by this that state congress the Sangh (RSS), he has only learned them. Congress will win by big margin.’’
president Kuldeep Rathod person- him a sense of service and sacrifice. “I
ally met Rubru’s MD Shakun Manko- have never been behind posts.” He is letters@tehelka.com

Tehelka / 31 october 2019 21 www.Tehelka.com