In a surprise move signalling that the Advani camp?s say had prevailed, the BJP on Monday decided to project Hamirpur MP Prem Kumar Dhumal as its chief ministerial candidate.
Dhumal?s emergence as the BJP?s choice in Himachal Pradesh, pipping his traditional rival in the party, Shanta Kumar now means that the party can push ahead with its campaign without having to worry about sending conflicting signals on the leadership aspect. Party insiders said that the surprise decision was swung by LK Advani and his supporters at the meeting of the BJP parliamentary board.
??Since the central leadership had made up its mind for Dhumal, who was chief minister of the hill state from 1998 to 2003, to be the chief ministerial candidate if the party voted to power, Kumar had no option but to give in. But in the process he could get an assurance that once Dhumal becomes the CM, his Hamirpur seat would be given to him,?? sources in the party said.
Even BJP chief Rajnath Singh, while briefing the media about the decision after the party?s Parliamentary Board meeting, said, ??We have unanimously decided to project Dhumal as the party?s leader in assembly elections while Kumar will work at the Central level.??
