This former IAS officer gave BJP several wins in Doaba

Som Parkash’s close ties to the central BJP leadership enabled him to secure a parliamentary ticket in 2019 while being the sitting MLA from Phagwara, despite strong competition from Vijay Sampla, the incumbent MP of Hoshiarpur and Union MoS for BJP.

In 2019, he declared assets worth Rs 2.94 crore. He holds an MA in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh, awarded in 1972

Any private member bill

Not applicable.

Accessibility of MP

Som Parkash was easily accessible to local constituents, facilitating engagement and communication. People of his constituency said that whenever they approached Som Parkash he always meet them happily and listened to their problems. However, they added that most of the works remained incomplete in his area.

Constituency profile

Hoshiarpur constituency comprises diverse regions, including the Kandi belt, bate area, and plains. Notable assembly segments within the constituency span Hoshiarpur, Chabbewal, Sham Chaurasi, Urmur, Dasuya, Mukerian (all assembly segment fall in Hoshiarpur district) Bholath, Phagwara, (in Kapurthala district) and Shri Hargobinderpur (Gurdaspur district). Constituency’s Mukerian Segment is is renowned for its rice production, including Basmati, and hosts several rice mills.

Dasuya Segment is home to the religious site called ‘Pandav Sarovar’. Legend has it that the five Pandavas stayed here during their period of secret living, known as ‘Agyat Vaas’.Urmur and Bholath Segments have a substantial presence of the Lubana community and are among the wealthiest segments as many NRIs from here are settled in various countries. Sham Chaurasi Segment is renowned for its Hindustani classical music gharana. Chabbewal Segment is Known for hosting the largest pea market in the state, Chabbewal also boasts several noted football players.

Hoshiarpur Segmentis famous for its rare inlay artwork, a craft practiced exclusively in Hoshiarpur.

This art form was brought to Hoshiarpur from Chiniot, a city now located in Pakistan, by craftsmen who settled here. Phagwara is a focal point for various protests, including clashes between the right-wing groups and Dalits. Shri Hargobind Pur holds a rich heritage attributed to the 5th and 6th Sikh Gurus. Named after the 6th Guru, Sri Hargobind Rai, it features a mosque known as Guru ki Masit, constructed by him.

Candidates in fray

While the BJP has nominated Anita Som Parkash, wife of Som parkash as its candidate, AAP has fielded Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, a former Congress MLA. Chabbewal has recently joined AAP and got the Lok Sabha ticket. While the BSP has nominated Rakesh Kumar Summan as its candidate, the Congress and the SAD are yet to announce their names from the seat.