There is some discontent over ticket allocation but party leadership is capable of handling the situation

At 83, Shanta Kumar, the founding member of BJP, is still a force to reckon with. The outspoken veteran leader calls a spade a spade — often drawing the wrath of his own party leaders. Though, the former twoterm chief minister has decided to quit electoral politics, BJP would be dependent on him to revive its fortunes in Kangra, a politically significant district that decides which party will form the government. The party initially sidelined the old warhorse, a former Union minister and now a Lok Sabha member from Kangra parliamentary constituency, during ticket distribution. However, realising the mistake later, the party is now making efforts to placate the sulking leader.

With the BJP facing a revolt-like situation, the veteran leader speaks on the party’s prospects of wresting power in the hill state in an interview to

Naresh K Thakur. Will the BJP be able to form the government in Himachal?

Definitely, the BJP is witnessing its best phase in the entire country while the Congress is going through its worst. In Himachal’s perspective, the way the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government has functioned over the last five years, people are fed up and want a change.

Will the flip-flop and delay in declaration of candidates hit the party’s campaign?

There is discontentment in some pockets. It may have some impact but not an adverse one. The party leadership is capable of handling such situations. One thing that worries me is the misconception among aspiring leaders who think that the BJP ticket is a guarantee to enter the state assembly. In the Gurdaspur by-election, the BJP candidate lost by a big margin of 1.9 lakh votes.

You were said to be annoyed at being sidelined in ticket distribution.

(Laughs)….. That’s an internal matter. I had made my sentiments known to the party leadership.

DHARAMSHALA:

Nadda came to meet you. What things did you discuss?

Yes, he was here and stayed for over two hours. We had a chat over some issues. Nadda also interacted with party workers. He took their viewpoint and left for Delhi. Hopefully, things will improve and the BJP campaign will pick up.

The party has not projected a CM face. Will this impact BJP’s prospects?

There could be a minor impact or no impact at all. As I have already said, the BJP is in a winning position and the CM candidate can be decided later.

What will be your role in this election?

See, I am an old leader now. I give suggestions on issues when the party seeks my consultation. I have been a dedicated soldier of BJP and will continue to help the party in whatever way I can.