Himachal Congress president Kuldeep Rathore , who took over the charge of the faction-ridden party last month, says he is confident that BJP’s failure to perform at the Centre and in the state has disappointed voters, while at the same time Priyanka Gandhi’s formal inclusion has rejuvenated his party. Hoping to win all four parliamentary seats in Himachal, the former NSUI leader and a lawyer told TOI’s Aditya Kant that for the first time in the party, all senior leaders are backing him.Winnability, clean image and acceptance are key criteria. There'll be no age bar and, anyone who fulfills the basic criteria is eligible. We have started taking feedback on prospective candidates. The high command is also conducting an independent survey. We are going to have a coordination committee meeting of senior leaders soon to deliberate on the issue in Shimla. Rahul Gandhi and other leaders are expected to take part.Will the party consider veterans like former CM Virbhadra Singh, though he said earlier that the 2017 assembly polls were his last? Some are pitching for his son, Vikramaditya Singh, too.One should be prepared for surprises and miracles. A proper procedure for choosing the best candidate is being followed in which the high command will take the final decision. It’s going to be a mix of experienced and young leaders. Nothing can be ruled out. Unlike BJP, which has sidelined its veterans like L K Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi by making them marg darshak, senior leaders are being given importance and treated with much respect in our party. They will continue to play an important role in elections.Uniting the party and taking along all senior leaders and party workers is a key challenge. I have been travelling all over the state. It’s good to see grassroot workers coming out. It’s for the first time that a grassroots leader, who is not an MLA, has been appointed as the party chief. It has sent a message to common workers that the commitment and hard work for the party is being rewarded.The day you took over as state chief, there were clashes between the supporters of outgoing chief Sukhvinder Sukkhu and former CM Virbhadra Singh.A probe has already been ordered and anyone found guilty will be dealt with strictly. I have already said there would be zero tolerance for hooliganism and indiscipline. All party leaders have been asked to refrain from issuing statements against each other. For now, the target is to win the Lok Sabha elections.We are confident of winning all four MP seats. Workers are feeling rejuvenated and the party now stands united. All senior leaders including Virbhadra Singh, Anand Sharma and CLP leader Mukesh Agnihotri have come together to support me. This has happened for the first time that all senior leaders are supporting the Himachal Congress president.BJP’s failure to fulfill promises and its non-performance at the Centre and in the state. People are disappointed with the implementation of GST and demonetization. BJP completely failed to provide employment to youth.

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