Dear Editor
In nearly four decades, Himachal Pradesh has not returned an incumbent government to power. And, for Congress, the victory in Himachal is critical to its revival, as the party has suffered a string of electoral defeats in recent years. The apple-growing northern state, whose lobby is dominated by people from upper Himachal Pradesh, was outraged by the Adani Group’s lower prices. Apple growers’ profits have also fallen since the increase in GST on cartons.
Anti-incumbency and the selection of an alternative government were not the only reasons for Himachal Pradesh voters leaning towards Congress.The immediate challenge for the Congress is to select a chief ministerial face capable of binding the party moving forward.
VijayKumar H K
[email protected]
Raichur, Karnataka
Environmentalist
