SHIMLA: In a political first of its kind, Indian National Congress is contemplating a strategic move by considering Jagat Singh Negi, a notable tribal leader from Kinnaur and the current Revenue Minister in the Sukhu government, as its potential candidate for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat, India's one of the largest constituencies.
Negi is being tipped in response to the BJP's nomination of Kangana Ranaut, the acclaimed actress and Padamshri awardee and four time winner of the national award.
Congress seeks to make it a tribal grass root leader vs BJP's Bollywood glamour and pomp and show star, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle in Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
Inside sources reveal that Negi's name is actively being discussed within the corridors of the Congress's selection committee.
Negi is viewed as loyalist of late Raja Virbhadra Singh by the voters and can ride on his legacy.
Congress can also mobilize the tribal voters in a big way by fielding Negi to elect a first ever Tribal Lok Sabha MP in the history of Himachal Pradesh.
Congress can also fan out against BJP of its choice of giving more weight to glamour and showbiz by ignoring its own younger aspirants, who have been roughing out for years to get recognition by way of securing party tickets.
Congress would also exploit BJP's choice as Kangana deserted her ancestral and parental home town in Sarkaghat and instead preferred Manali tourist town for a her sweet home.
They are of the likes of Maheshwar Singh from Kullu, Praveen Sharma from Mandi, Ajay Rana from Sundernagar and Dr Ramlal Markande from Lahaul Spiti and the like, while BJP's former Mandi MP Ram Swarup allegedly committed suicide under mysterious circumstances few years ago.
But a million dollar question is: Can Congress dare to attempt this?. Congress fears BJP'S operation Lotus aimed at toppling the Sukhu government. In case BJP manages to win all six by-elections then Congress government will be in trouble as its tally will be reduced to 33 MLAS while BJP will even with it withe support of three independents as its tally will go to 34!
However, If chosen, Negi would make history as the first tribal leader from the Himachal Pradesh to be fielded by the any party to represent the sprawling Mandi constituency, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape of the state.
The Congress's move underscores its recognition of the influence wielded by tribal voters in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections who can vote in chunks in favour of a tribal candidate.
Negi;s name is doing rounds as Congress received a big jolt in the recent Rajya Sabha election, where the party lost a crucial Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh due to a "misstep in candidate selection".
BJP had made a big issue out of it terming Singhvi as an outsider. It cost Congress dearly as Congress sacrificed six rebel MLAs, who crossvoted in favour of BJP Harsh Mahajan, who finally won in a tie.
The Six disqualified MLAs now have joined BJP keeping the Sukhu government on the edge.
Known for his outspoken critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Negi enjoys a formidable reputation and a proven track record that can influence voters, though the younger lot may be hard to influence due to stardom of Kangna.
The Congress hopes that his candidacy will serve as a potent counterweight to Kangana Ranaut's star appeal, which the BJP is heavily banking on.
The Mandi Lok Sabha seat currently rests with the Congress President Pratibha Singh, owing much to the enduring legacy of her husband, the late Raja Virbhadra Singh, a six-time CM.
But Pratibha Singh has refused to contest this time.
With Negi in the fray, the Congress aims to reclaim lost ground, particularly after key defections to the BJP camp, including that of Ravi Thakur, who represents Lahaul-Spiti.
However, the BJP remains a formidable force in the Mandi region, with former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur enjoying substantial popularity as BJP had won nine out of 10 seats in last Vidhan Sabha election as BJP had tipped him as CM candidate.
Moreover the former minister Prakash Chaudhary, who represented Balh(SC) in Mandi had resigned from the Congress post.
On the other hand, simmering discontent within certain BJP factions of Maheshwar Singh in Kullu district could potentially play into the Congress's hands, while Congress has advantage in Rampur and Anni constituencies.
While Negi's candidacy awaits official confirmation from the Congress, anticipation is palpable among tribal communities and Mandi residents alike.
The upcoming election presents voters with a compelling choice: Whether they want the glitz and glamour symbolized by Kangana Ranaut and the substantive leadership embodied by Negi's tribal roots.
Comprising 17 constituencies, with a significant portion emanating from Mandi itself, the electoral battleground promises riveting political drama and keen contest.
As the Congress and the BJP gear up for a head-to-head clash, all eyes are on Mandi, where Kangna Ranaut has made the contest the keenest in India.
