Dharamshala, April 30
BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma on Thursday announced the party’s candidate list for the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation elections, highlighting a focus on young and new faces while launching a sharp attack on the Congress over governance and development issues.
Addressing a press conference in Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma said the party has fielded mostly young, educated, and first-time candidates, selected on the basis of their public connect and commitment to work. He added that the move reflects the BJP’s strategy to bring fresh leadership into urban governance.
Emphasising Dharamshala’s rapid expansion and growing international profile, Sharma said the inclusion of new-generation representatives is essential to meet the city’s evolving needs. He said these candidates would aim to deliver transparent governance and accelerate development through modern approaches.
Sharma said some candidates have already filed their nominations, while others are scheduled to do so on May 2. He added that party workers would soon begin campaigning across wards in line with the strategy set by the state and central leadership.
Targeting the Congress, Sharma accused leader Devender Jaggi of neglecting Dharamshala, while asserting the BJP’s commitment to inclusive development. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” slogan, he said the party remains focused on equitable growth.
He also questioned the quality of ongoing development works under the Municipal Corporation, alleging misuse of public funds by certain contractors and claiming that infrastructure projects are not aligned with the city’s requirements. He stressed the need for sustainable planning suited to Dharamshala’s climatic conditions.
Criticising the state government, Sharma took a swipe at Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that the promised change is not visible on the ground and that there is a gap between government claims and reality.
Regarding the 100-year-old Boys School, Sharma said students and parents have raised concerns about the government’s decision. He argued that one school should have been affiliated with CBSE and another with the state board, and warned that legal options may be explored if the decision is not reconsidered.
The BJP’s announcement marks the beginning of an intensified political contest in Dharamshala ahead of the municipal polls.
