BJP working hard to wrest Palampur MC from Cong

MLA ASHISH BUTAIL

The BJP has made full preparations for the upcoming Palampur Municipal Corporation elections and all its senior leaders, along with RSS workers, are actively campaigning in the city. The BJP leadership sees this visible show of unity as an encouraging sign, particularly in view of the 2027 Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP is attempting to make inroads into what has traditionally been a Congress stronghold.

In the 2021 Municipal Corporation elections, the Congress had secured a significant victory in Palampur. Internal factionalism and groupism had then affected the BJP’s electoral prospects in the region but this time the party is trying to project a united front by carefully managing all political equations and bringing together all leaders on one platform.

The Butail family and the Congress have historically influenced politics in Palampur. From the Municipal Council era to the present Municipal Corporation setup and the Assembly elections, the area has been the Congress stronghold. Against this backdrop, the BJP organisation is making a strategic effort to strengthen itself and challenge the Congress more effectively.

Sullah MLA Vipin Singh Parmar, who is also the BJP in-charge for urban local bodies elections, has been actively working to unite party workers and leaders. Rajya Sabha MP Sikander Kumar and Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj, along with elections co-incharge Rajesh Thakur and senior leader Trilok Kapoor, are playing an active role in maintaining coordination within the organisation.

Parmar and Sikinder Kumar told The Tribune that the BJP was not viewing these elections merely as a fight in a local civic body but as an opportunity to strengthen its political base ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. However, it remains to be seen how much electoral benefit this show of unity will ultimately bring to the BJP.

On the other hand, the Congress’ hopes of retaining control over the Palampur Municipal Corporation largely rest on local MLA Ashish Butail, who enjoys considerable goodwill in the constituency because of his clean image and accessibility to people. The party continues to rely heavily on the influence of the Butail family in all 15 wards of the Palampur Municipal Corporation.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Urban Development Minister Rajesh Dharmani and former minister Asha Kumari have been regularly campaigning for Congress candidates. State Congress president Vinay Kumar and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also started campaigning for the party candidates on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ashish Butail has been doing extensive door-to-door campaigning in all 15 wards, seeking support for Congress candidates. Political observers believe the MC polls in Palampur are turning into a major political battle this time.