Independent Surge in Chhamb: Satesh Sharma Breaks Congress Stronghold

In an upset, Satesh Sharma, an independent candidate, claimed victory in the Chhamb seat, breaking the longstanding Congress hold established since 1962. Sharma, once part of Congress, defeated BJP's Rajeev Sharma and former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who fell to third place, marking a significant political shift in the region.

In a significant political shift, the Chhamb Assembly seat, long dominated by the Congress, has been taken by Satesh Sharma, a rebel independent candidate. Sharma won with a margin of 6,929 votes, a result that marks a notable departure from the seat's historical allegiance.

The Chhamb constituency has been a Congress stronghold, having won seven of the last nine elections since veteran Chajju Ram first secured it in 1962. However, Satesh Sharma's victory represents a major upheaval in this tradition.

Sharma, 42, previously a Congress member, contested independently after departing from the party. He garnered 33,985 votes, defeating BJP's Rajeev Sharma. Former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand lagged in third with 16,449 votes, despite having previously held the seat three times.

(With inputs from agencies.)