Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections: Rebels in Kangra to upset BJP apple cart

While BJP succeeded in placating Anil Chaudhary, party’s block president, it has at least five more rebels in 15 Kangra segments, who are contesting as Independents. The party was not able to placate them. Chaudhary withdrew his nomination papers on the last day of withdrawals on Saturday.

3 min readChandigarhUpdated: Oct 31, 2022 02:53 AM IST

Chaudhary had revolted against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-turned-BJP nominee from Dharamshala, Rakesh Chaudhary, whom the BJP has inducted to hone up its prospects ahead of elections.

EVEN as ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) honed up its chances of a repeat by inducting leaders from other parties in its outfit, the move backfired at several places in Kangra, where claimants for party’s tickets have rebelled against official nominees posing a challenge to the saffron party.

While BJP succeeded in placating Anil Chaudhary, party’s block president, it has at least five more rebels in 15 Kangra segments, who are contesting as Independents. The party was not able to placate them. Chaudhary withdrew his nomination papers on the last day of withdrawals on Saturday. Chaudhary had revolted against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-turned-BJP nominee from Dharamshala, Rakesh Chaudhary, whom the BJP has inducted to hone up its prospects ahead of elections. The party nominated him by dumping sitting MLA Vishal Nehria. The BJP also inducted Congress’ acting president of Kangra district Pawan Kajal and nominated him from Kangra Assembly segment.

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The party also tried to strengthen itself by inducting an Independent Hoshiar Singh from Dehra. They swapped seats to quell rebellion in the unit. Incumbent Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania, who is a sitting MLA from Nurpur has been shifted to Fatehpur. Former block president of BJP from Nurpur, Ranvir Singh Nikka, who was openly rebelling against Pathania has been allotted the party ticket from Nurpur. However, this strategy has backfired in some parts of Kangra. In Dharamshala, the entire BJP block unit resigned as office bearers. Two local leaders from Dharamshala including block president of BJP Anil Chaudhary, and district ST Morcha president Vipin Nehria filed their nomination papers as Independents. While Chaudhary withdrew, Nehria is still in fray. The party also faced rebellion in Dehra against Hoshiar Singh. The party was forced to nominate former BJP MLA Ravinder Ravi from Jawalamukhi Assembly segment and Jawalamukhi MLA Ramesh Dhwala was shifted to Dehra. Left without a party ticket, Hoshiar Singh once against quit BJP and filed nominations. In Indora segment also, rebellion was reported as former MLA Manohar Dhiman filed his nominations as an Independent. In Kangra Assembly segment, where BJP brought in Pawan Kajal, the Zila Parishad member and BJP leader Kulbhash Chaudhary filed nominations as an Independent. The BJP is facing rebellion in Dharamshala, Kangra, Dehra, Indora and Fatehpur.

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Party candidate from Dharmashala, Rakesh Chaudhary told The Indian Express that the BJP had no rebels. “We have placated everyone except only one,” he said while gesturing to Vishal Nehria, who was canvassing with Chaudhary in Mc Leodganj on Saturday. Nehria said, “We all are together. There is no rebellion. We are moving strong towards a repeat.”

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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