Shimla: The Modi factor has significantly bolstered the BJP’s performance in Himachal Pradesh as BJP secured leads on most of assembly constituencies represented by Sukhu and hus cabinet ministers.
According to BJP senior leader and Naina Devi MLA, Randhir Sharma stated BJP has gained substantial leads in key constituencies held by prominent Congress figures, showcasing a strong public preference for BJP.
Sharma highlighted that the popularity of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appears to be declining.
Even in Sukhu's own constituency of Nadaun, the BJP secured a lead of 2,143 votes.
"This clearly shows the public's mood," said Sharma. The BJP also saw notable leads in other ministerial constituencies, including Bhattiyat (13,166 votes), Solan (5,116 votes), and Shillai (2,317 votes).
Despite these gains, it wasn't a complete sweep for the BJP. In the recent state assembly by-elections, the Congress won four MLA seats, while the BJP managed to secure only two out of the six by-elections. Interestingly, in these by-elections, the BJP had fielded Congress rebels.
Star campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath campaigned vigorously in Himachal, which starkly contrasted with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge. PM Modi's rallies in Nahan and Mandi Sadar were particularly impactful, resulting in BJP leads of 7,939 and 15,515 votes, respectively
Sharma asserted that the waning popularity of CM Sukhu played a critical role in shifting the public's support towards the BJP.