Himachal By-Elections: Congress Fields Hardeep Bawa, CM Sukhu Slams Former Independents

Congress candidate Hardeep Singh Bawa has filed his nomination for the Nalagarh assembly by-election. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged voters to reject former Independent MLAs now contesting on BJP tickets, criticizing them for allegedly 'selling' their conscience to the BJP.

Congress candidate Hardeep Singh Bawa officially entered the race for the Nalagarh assembly seat as part of upcoming Himachal Pradesh by-elections. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on voters to dismiss former Independent MLAs vying for re-election under BJP banners.

Bawa's main opponent will be K L Thakur, a former Independent who has represented Nalagarh twice, once as a BJP candidate in 2012 and as an Independent in 2022. By-elections in three assembly constituencies—Dehra, Hamirpur, and Nalagarh—are scheduled for July 10 following the resignation of three Independent MLAs.

These MLAs supported BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the February Rajya Sabha polls and joined the BJP in March. Sukhu strongly criticized these independents, alleging they compromised their principles for financial gain. He challenged Thakur's claims of being unable to perform his duties and emphasized the stability and longevity of the current Congress government.

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