Cong Struggles to Fill Vacancies Left by Disqualified MLAs  As Himachal Pradesh braces for a crucial electoral showdown, the political landscape simmers with anticipation ahead of the Lok Sabha elections on four seats and simultaneous bye-elections for six assembly constituencies. With the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs, the electoral battleground in the hill state has intensified, setting the stage for a fierce contest between the ruling Congress and the principal opposition – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).   The bye-elections, slated to coincide with the Lok Sabha polls, carry immense significance as they could potentially alter the balance of power in the state assembly. Following the disqualification of the rebel MLAs, the Congress strength in the 68-member assembly has dwindled from 40 to 34, leaving the party precariously positioned. The BJP, with 25 members and the support of three independents, eyes the vacant seats as an opportunity to strengthen its grip on the state legislature.   For the BJP, selecting candidates for the bye-elections presents a formidable challenge, given that the rebels had emerged victorious against BJP candidates in the 2022 polls. Meanwhile, the Congress grapples with the task of identifying new contenders to fill the void left by the disqualified MLAs. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, affirmed that while the disqualification of the rebel MLAs would influence candidate selection, the ultimate decision rests with the party leadership.   Of the six assembly seats slated for bye-elections on June 1, four fall within the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, amplifying the electoral significance of this parliamentary seat. The disqualification of Congress rebels Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma, and Devinder Kumar Bhutto has reshaped the political landscape of Hamirpur, intensifying the battle between the Congress and the BJP.   The disqualification of the rebel MLAs stemmed from their support for the BJPs Rajya Sabha candidate, underscoring the broader power struggle within the state legislature. With the looming specter of the Rajya Sabha polls looming over the electoral horizon, both parties are poised for a head-to-head confrontation.   In Hamirpur, the BJPs sitting MP and Union Minister, Anurag Thakur, seeks re-election for the fifth time, aiming to maintain the partys stronghold in the constituency. Notably, Hamirpur has served as a bastion for the BJP, with prominent leaders like JP Nadda hailing from the region.   However, the Congress is not without its own strongholds, as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his deputy Mukesh Agnihotri represent key assembly segments within the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency. The electoral battle in Hamirpur is emblematic of the broader struggle for dominance between the Congress and the BJP in Himachal Pradesh.   As political tensions escalate, all eyes are on the upcoming elections, which will determine the trajectory of governance in Himachal Pradesh. With the electorate poised to cast their votes amidst a backdrop of political upheaval, the stage is set for a fiercely contested electoral showdown on June 1.   In tandem with the Lok Sabha polls and assembly bye-elections, Himachal Pradeshs Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg, a day before, had announced the commencement of the model code of conduct, marking the official onset of election preparations in the state. With over 56 lakh voters poised to participate in the electoral process, meticulous planning and stringent enforcement of electoral guidelines are underway to ensure a smooth and transparent election process.   HP CEO Garg announced that 56.38 lakh voters are set to participate in Lok Sabha elections for four seats and Assembly by-elections for six segments on June 1. With the model code of conduct (MCC) enforced until June 4, Garg detailed the demographic breakdown of voters: 28,79,200 men, 27,59,187 women, and 35 third-gender individuals.   Notably, 1,38,918 first-time voters aged 18 to 19 years will partake, alongside 56,320 voters with physical disabilities and 60,995 aged over 85. Voters with over 40 percent disability may opt for home voting.   Himachal Pradesh boasts 7,990 polling stations equipped with electronic voting machines (EVMs), ensuring accessibility for all. Of these, 150 stations will be operated solely by women, 29 by staff with disabilities, and 54 by youth.

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