Senior BJP leaders accompanied party-backed members to the Bachat Bhawan for the election of the Shimla Zila Parishad Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The election is proceeding following orders from the Himachal High Court; the matter had previously reached the court due to delays in the election process. The election for these posts is taking place approximately three months after the Zila Parishad was constituted. Both major parties have long been strategizing to win over the members to their side.
On Wednesday, the BJP held a meeting with all its members to discuss the election and claimed to have secured the necessary support.
**Arrival of BJP and Congress Stalwarts**
From the BJP, Rajya Sabha members Harsh Mahajan and Sikander Kumar, along with MLA Balbir Verma, arrived at the venue with the members.
Representing the Congress, the state’s Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Cooperative Bank Chairman Devendra Shyam arrived at the scene.
**Claims and Political Arithmetic**
In the 25-member Zila Parishad, the BJP claims the support of 13 members, while the Congress asserts it has the backing of 12 members. Consequently, the contest for the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson posts has become highly intriguing.
It is claimed that the BJP’s 11 elected members have the support of two independent members. Meanwhile, reports suggest that two independent members are aligning with the Congress’s 10 elected members. The BJP held a meeting with its winning members late in the evening to finalize its election strategy.
**An Opportunity for the BJP to Make History**
This election is viewed as an opportunity for the BJP to create history in Shimla district politics, whereas the Congress faces the challenge of defending its traditional stronghold. BJP leaders met with all members prior to the election to discuss future strategy. The party claims it possesses the requisite support and will secure victory for both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson posts.
**Congress Faces the Challenge of Saving Its Stronghold**
The Congress has long held influence over the Shimla Zila Parishad. In this scenario, if the BJP succeeds in wresting control of the Zila Parishad this time, it will be considered a major shift in the district’s politics. Meanwhile, the Congress is striving to keep its supporting members united and thwart the BJP’s bid.
