BJP’s Shimla Urban candidate, Sanjay Sood: The real chaiwala steps up

Sood worked at the booth-level for a local leader and was active at a time when the party in the state was just growing roots.

Following years of grassroots work, Sood was appointed general secretary of the Shimla Mandal Union. He went on to become the BJP’s media in-charge for the district. During this time, he was offered a ticket for the municipal election and Sood became a councillor in the 2000s. He remained councillor for two teams and then became party president for the district.

At the time the ticket announcement was made, Sood was at the shop pouring tea for his supporters, amid media frenzy. He is replacing urban development minister and veteran leader Suresh Bharadwaj, who has been shifted to the Kasumpti constituency.

The decision to shift a four-time MLA to another seat has raised eyebrows, but the BJP is relying on local support while attempting to tackle anti-incumbency. Sood believes he has been rewarded for decades of party work, the result of which will be evident on December 10.