PM’s summer neighbours say no to party

He alleged that development was minimal. ‘‘The school they speak of was simply upgraded from Class VIII to IX. It was not restarted. Most of the eight solar lights they set up do not even work.’’

He adds: ‘‘Should there be no dispensary or hospital in the PM’s model village? Where is the stadium they said would come up? If you can, convey to the PM that we also want proper toilets.”

Jabe Ram nods in agreement. ‘‘That is true. We will vote for Govind Thakur, an Independent candidate.’’ Several factors go against the BJP. ‘‘They suddenly got this new man in our constituency. Who knew Karan Singh? What has he done for us? They brought him from Banjar. We only know Raj Kishen Gaur (Congress) and Govind Thakur. Dharamvir Dhami (Independent) is also a known name,’’ he says.

Sitting by the road, Swaroo Ram and Khimi Ram say they will vote for Congress. They claim the present pradhan is a Congress supporter too. ‘‘He may have to smile at the BJP men but the pradhan, Tek Chand, is a staunch Congress loyalist,’’ they say.

Most villagers on the left bank of Beas, where Prini falls, show little or no affinity towards the BJP. While those at Seaubagh, Kais and Archandi and Khural valley favour Dharamvir Dhami, Nagar is divided over Dhami, Govind Thakur and Congress. Haripur and Sarsai villages, too, favour the Independents. Villages close to Manali favour Govind Thakur.