In the electoral battleground of Hamirpur, the scales are tipping in favor of Anurag Thakur, the BJP’s candidate, with a substantial lead of 1,55,840 votes over his Congress counterpart, Satpal Singh Raizada. These early trends, trickling in on Tuesday, paint a vivid picture of the unfolding political landscape.
Situated in the scenic terrains of Himachal Pradesh, Hamirpur holds significant electoral importance, being one of the four Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Over the years, it has emerged as a bastion for the BJP, solidifying its dominance with victories in eight out of the last nine elections. Anurag Thakur, the incumbent and a prominent figure in the party’s ranks, stands poised for his fifth consecutive term, a testament to his unwavering popularity among the electorate.
Anurag Thakur’s political journey is intertwined with a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments. From serving as the Minister of State for Finance in the Modi government’s inaugural term to assuming leadership roles within the BJYM, his trajectory is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond the realm of politics, Thakur’s passion for cricket is well-documented, having donned the Himachal jersey in Ranji matches and later steering the helm of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His familial ties further underscore his deep-rooted connection to the region, with his father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, having served as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
In the electoral fray stands Satpal Singh Raizada, the Congress’s nominee, seeking to challenge the BJP’s hegemony in Hamirpur. A former legislator representing the Una assembly constituency, Raizada brings to the fore a contrasting narrative, promising a spirited contest in the days to come.
Spanning across 17 Vidhan Sabha seats, including diverse regions like Jaswan-Pragpur, Sujanpur, and Bilaspur, the Hamirpur constituency embodies the diverse socio-political fabric of Himachal Pradesh. With a robust voter base exceeding 1.4 million, the region witnessed a commendable turnout of 70.05% in the 2024 polls, reflecting the electorate’s fervent engagement in the democratic process.
Reflecting on past electoral verdicts, Anurag Thakur’s electoral prowess is undeniable, having clinched resounding victories in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His overwhelming mandate underscores the trust reposed in his leadership, epitomizing the aspirations of the people of Hamirpur.