Former Congress Candidate Rajesh Sharma health deteriorated suddenly , admitted in Dehra

Dharamshala, June 19, 2024: Following the announcement that Kamlesh Thakur, wife of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, received the Congress ticket for the upcoming Dehra by-election, former Congress candidate of this seat ,Dr. Rajesh Sharma convened a meeting with his supporters to strategize his next steps. Dr. Sharma, who had contested the Dehra seat in the 2022 elections, indicated his intent to run as an independent candidate in the by-election scheduled for next month.

During the emotional meeting, Dr. Sharma broke down in tears, expressing his disappointment and frustration. His health deteriorated suddenly, leading to his admission to Civil Hospital Dehra, where a team of doctors is monitoring his condition.

Earlier In his address to supporters, Dr. Sharma emphasized his commitment to the people of Dehra, stating, "I do not crave for the chair, but I cannot betray the people of Dehra."

The decision to nominate Kamlesh Thakur has stirred controversy within the Congress ranks. CM Sukhu explained that the party high command had previously suggested his wife as a candidate during the Lok Sabha elections, but he had declined to avoid political nepotism. However, given the current circumstances and the directive from the party leadership, he felt compelled to accept the decision. CM Sukhu expressed confidence in his wife's ability to serve the Dehra constituency effectively for the remainder of the term, hoping for public support.

Dr. Rajesh Sharma had lost the 2022 election on a Congress ticket to independent candidate Hoshiar Singh. His potential independent candidacy in the upcoming by-election could significantly impact the political dynamics in Dehra, adding further intrigue to the unfolding electoral contest.