BJP son-shine burns Cong

Thakur8217;s victory comes as a blow to Congress fortunes in the state, especially after its poor performance in the Assembly elections. The party8217;s base appears to have been further eroded as it did not lead in even one of the 17 Assembly constituencies of this parliamentary constituency, which is spread through the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra. The Congress has lost almost 40 per cent of its vote share as compared to 2007 by-election.

Significantly for Dhumal, Hamirpur8212;his political stronghold8212;once again stood solidly behind him in defining a new role for his son. Thakur8217;s victory is also an indication of Dhumal8217;s popularity as Chief Minister, although the Opposition accused him of promoting parvarvad or 8216;family rule8217;.

In his own right, Anurag Thakur is president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, making him a popular candidate for young people.

However, Pradesh Congress Committee PCC president Viplove Thakur alleged that the BJP victory in Hamirpur was not that of the BJP but of its government, which misused the official machinery to enhance prospects for the chief minister8217;s son.

Dhumal, on the other hand, said the victory was a powerful mandate and endorsement of the policies and programmes of the party initiated in past four months.