Cliffhanger likely in Himachal: BJP and Congress now woo Independents; 'kingmakers' getting feelers

With exit polls predicting a cliffhanger between the BJP and the Congress in Himachal Pradesh, both the parties have started keeping backroom channels open with Independent candidates who could call the shots in case of a photo finish. News agency PTI also quoted some Independent candidates claiming they have started getting feelers from the parties for their support. 

After the announcement of the exit polls on Monday, both the parties claimed they will emerge winner with a clear majority. However, internal surveys suggest a tough contest that may lead to a hung Assembly in the hill state.

A party needs the support of at least 35 candidates to form the government in Himachal Pradesh. But exit polls Monday indicated that the Congress and the ruling BJP might struggle to make it to this half-way mark when the results are declared on December 8. The surveys projected a range of 24-41 seats for the BJP and 20-40 seats for the Congress.

If the contest turns out to be this close, the role of independents could be crucial --- and some of them claimed Monday that the two parties have been in touch with them.

When contacted BJP rebels K L Thakur and Manohar Dhiman, who fought the election as independents after being denied the party ticket, said they have been "approached" by both the parties. But they would keep their cards close to the chest till the results are officially declared, they told PTI.

Another independent, Ram Singh, said he is not a rebel but the people's candidate and would decide whom to support after December 8.

Altogether, there are 91 independents in the fray including about two dozen rebels who may cut into the votes that would have normally gone to the official party candidates, and spoil their prospects.

The political parties, however, are focused on independents who have a bigger chance of winning. Both the BJP and the Congress are chalking out strategies to rope them in, in case they themselves fall short of majority.

The independents with better chances of winning include K L Thakur (Nalagarh), Manohar Dhiman (Indora), Ram Singh (Kullu), Raju (Arki), Hosihiyar Singh (Dehra), Indu Verma (Theog) and Sanjay Prasher (Jaswan-Pragpur). For the record, both sides say they are set to score a clear victory.

"We will get a clear mandate and form the government. Independents are welcome if they are willing to associate with the government, and remaining in touch with independent candidates is a normal process," Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told PTI.

Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri also claimed that Congress was all set to win majority and said party leaders are in contact with the independents.

In some elections in the past, Independents have played a significant role in the state, which has a record of alternating between the two main parties every assembly election.

In 1982, the Congress won 31 out of 68 seats in 1982 and formed the government with the help of independents. The BJP and Janata Party won 29 and two seats, respectively, and independents bagged six seats in that election.

BJP leader Shanta Kumar went to Raj Bhavan to stake his claim to form the government after two Janata Party members assured their support. But both of them failed to turn up there. Instead, four independents extended support to the Congress.

In 1998, the lone independent member Romesh Dhawala held the balance, supporting first the Congress and then the BJP-Haryana Vikas Congress alliance. Ultimately, a BJP-led government was sworn in.

(With PTI inputs)