Congress appoints Sanjeev Gandhi as Media Coordinator for Kangra

Dharamshala, February 13, 2024: The All India Congress Committee, following the recommendations of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee and its President, MP Pratibha Singh, has officially appointed Sanjeev Gandhi as the Media Coordinator for the Kangra Parliamentary Constituency, effective immediately. This strategic move underscores the Congress Party's determination to strengthen its presence and outreach in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the crucial parliamentary elections.

Sanjeev Gandhi, in his first interaction with the media post-appointment, expressed his optimism about the Congress Party's prospects, not just in the Kangra-Chamba parliamentary constituency but across all four seats in Himachal Pradesh. His confidence stems from a historical analysis of the constituency's election results, highlighting a battleground that has witnessed a fierce competition between the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the decades.

The electoral history of the Kangra-Chamba parliamentary seat is a testament to its political volatility. Since India's first general elections, the Congress Party has managed to secure this seat nine times, whereas the BJP has claimed victory on seven occasions, with the Janata Party winning once. The seat has seen several prominent personalities representing it, from Hem Raj and Vikram Chand Mahajan of the Congress to Shanta Kumar and Kishan Kapoor of the BJP, reflecting the changing political dynamics and preferences of the electorate over the years.

In the last election, the BJP's Kishan Kapoor won with a record-breaking 72.02% of the total votes, a significant lead over the Congress's share. However, the upcoming 2024 parliamentary poll poses a new challenge, with the "Modi magic" being put to the test in this hill constituency. The Congress, buoyed by its victory in the 2022 state elections where it ousted the BJP from power, is hopeful of replicating its success at the national level.

Key developmental demands from the people of Kangra, such as the expansion of the airport, establishment of a Central University, the introduction of broad gauge rail links, four-laning of roads, and the classification as a special hill state, will play a significant role in the electoral battle. These issues are expected to dominate the campaign narratives of both parties as they prepare to announce their candidates for the forthcoming elections.

As the political landscape heats up in Himachal Pradesh, the appointment of Shri Sanjeev Gandhi is a clear indication of the Congress Party's intent to leave no stone unturned in its quest to win back the confidence and support of the electorate in Kangra and across the state.