JUBBAL–KOTKHAI:
A fresh political tide is rising in the hills as Brig (Dr) Daleep Singh Chhajta, a soldier’s son, farmer’s son and retired Army superspecialist who rose to the rank of Brigadier, has announced his decision to challenge the two political patriarchs who have dominated Jubbal–Kotkhai for decades—Congress minister Rohit Thakur and BJP’s Chetan Bragta.
Chhajta comes from a family that has produced an IITian, a police officer and a decorated soldier, a lineage rooted in service rather than politics-of-inheritance. He says the era of dynastic dominance in the constituency must now end.
> “They have had their innings. Jubbal–Kotkhai needs a new voice. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan is not a slogan for me—it is my mission. This constituency cannot remain trapped in patriarchal politics any longer,” Brig Chhajta told HimbuMail.
Calling the politics of both dynast families “visionless and repetitive”, he says that decades in power have failed to bring meaningful change for farmers, youth or women.
> “Our youth are jobless and migrating. Farmers are collapsing under climate change. Nothing substantial has been done. Those who ruled us had no blueprint for the future,” he said.
Taking a direct swipe at the “Natti-only culture” in politics, he added:
> “I will not indulge in natti politics. I will work. I will take only one rupee as my MLA salary and donate the rest as scholarships for poor students.”
Brig Chhajta also made it clear he does not align with divisive politics.
“I am a fauji. I don’t like any outfit that tries to divide the country. Anyone who respects jawans and kisans should join me in creating a clean, corruption-free Jubbal–Kotkhai,” he said.
Known as a no-nonsense, ground-connected officer, Chhajta says the constituency needs liberation from hereditary politics and immediate focus on real issues—climate-hit farming, employment, roads, health infrastructure and women’s empowerment.
“This fight is not against individuals. It is against a system that kept people waiting for real development. Jubbal–Kotkhai deserves a new lease of life,” he said.
With assembly elections two years away, Brig Chhajta’s entry has already unsettled the political landscape. Analysts say he may emerge as a strong people’s candidate, especially among jawans, kisans, government employees, youth and the Himachali diaspora craving change.
Brig Chhajta despite his personal challenges has opened a new chapter in the battle for 2027.
#JaiJawanJaiKisan #JubbalKotkhai #HimachalPolitics #EndDynastyPolitics
